Small pro-Palestinian protests disrupted several college and university commencement ceremonies across the United States on Saturday. At Virginia Commonwealth University, dozens of graduating students walked out during a speech by Governor Glenn Youngkin, with some showing support for Palestinians and others opposing the governor’s policies on education. Similar protests occurred at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where a small group of demonstrators staged a silent protest, and at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where red paint was splattered on building steps. At the University of Texas, Austin, a student holding a Palestinian flag briefly disrupted the ceremony.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of California, Berkeley, also made their presence known by waving flags and chanting during the commencement ceremony. Despite the lack of major counterprotests, some attendees expressed frustration, feeling that the protesters were disrupting the event. This came after similar protests at the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Arizona led to arrests as police dismantled protest encampments. The Associated Press has reported at least 75 instances of arrests at U.S. campus protests since April 18, with nearly 2,900 people arrested at 57 colleges and universities.
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the small group of pro-Palestinian protesters agreed to dismantle their two-week-old encampment ahead of graduation ceremonies but requested to connect with decision-makers who control university investments by July 1. The university agreed to provide increased support for scholars and students affected by conflict in Gaza and Ukraine. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations also took place at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where protesters splattered red paint on building steps, and at the University of Texas, Austin, where a student holding a Palestinian flag briefly interrupted the commencement ceremony.
Despite the disruptions, Governor Glenn Youngkin, who was delivering a speech at Virginia Commonwealth University, did not address the protesting students who walked out during his address. Instead, he encouraged the graduating students to make a positive impact on the world through their chosen paths. The protests at various universities reflect a growing awareness and support for the Palestinian cause among students and activists in the United States. The demonstrations highlight ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East that continue to resonate with individuals around the world, including those participating in graduation ceremonies.
