Dozens of students walked out of Duke University’s commencement ceremony on May 12, protesting comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. The students chanted “free Palestine” as they left the event, waving Palestinian flags and wearing symbols of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Despite the protests, Seinfeld received an honorary degree and delivered his speech without major interruptions, with some attendees shouting his name in support.
Since October 7, when Hamas killed 1,200 people and abducted 252 others, Seinfeld has visited Israel and openly supported the country. In response, Israel’s military operations have resulted in more than 35,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in Gaza. The protests at Duke’s graduation are part of a larger movement on U.S. college campuses calling for universities to divest from arms suppliers and other companies profiting from the conflict, as well as amnesty for students and faculty disciplined for protesting.
The White House stated that President Joe Biden supports peaceful protests at college commencement ceremonies where he and other administration officials are speaking. The walkout at Duke University is one of many demonstrations that have taken place at U.S. campuses, prompting some universities to cancel or modify their graduation ceremonies. Columbia University in New York and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles are among the institutions that have either canceled or changed their ceremonies in response to the protests.
The protests at Duke University’s commencement ceremony highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the differing perspectives on the issue within academic communities. While some students support Seinfeld’s pro-Israel stance, others are calling for a more balanced approach that considers the rights and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians. The protests also raise questions about freedom of speech and expression on college campuses, with some students feeling the need to demonstrate against views they find objectionable.
The support for Palestine and criticism of Israel expressed by the students who walked out of Duke’s graduation ceremony reflect a broader global movement advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories have led to increased activism and calls for justice and equality for Palestinians. The protests at Duke University are part of a larger effort to raise awareness and foster dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact of U.S. support for Israel.
As the debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, the protests at Duke University signal a growing discontent among students and faculty with the status quo. The walkout at the commencement ceremony reflects a desire for change and a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs and policies. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of the importance of engaging in difficult conversations and addressing complex issues, even in the face of opposition and controversy.
