Anti-Israel protesters disrupted a commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan with antisemitic chants and attempts to disrupt speakers. Approximately 50 protesters displaying Palestinian flags marched toward the stage as U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro was speaking. The protesters were greeted with boos from the crowd, and law enforcement pushed them toward the back of the stadium where they remained for the rest of the event. The protesters wore keffiyehs, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, and planes flew overhead displaying pro-Palestinian slogans. Restrictions have been announced by the university, prohibiting banners and flags that obstruct sightlines.
One graduate, Benny Shaevsky, who yelled at the protesters to leave, expressed his disappointment at the disruption of the ceremony. He described the chaotic scene, with protesters screaming loudly, making it difficult for attendees to hear the speakers. Shaevsky did not see any of the protesters being arrested and expressed concern about the ongoing disruption caused by the protesters on campus. He called for university officials to take a stronger stand against such behavior and expressed his emotional distress at the disruption of his long-held goal of graduating from the University of Michigan.
The protest at the University of Michigan is part of a wider trend of anti-Israel demonstrations at universities across the country. The university has stated that it respects free speech but will take steps to “de-escalate and address” interruptions to the commencement ceremony. The protesters, according to Shaevsky, did not follow the appropriate time, place, and manner to express their views. He believes in free speech but emphasizes the need for peaceful and respectful protest. The disruption of the commencement ceremony has raised concerns about the ongoing chaos and destructive behavior on campus.
Law enforcement confronted the protesters and pushed them to the back of the stadium, where they remained for the duration of the event. In addition to chanting antisemitic slogans, the protesters wore keffiyehs and displayed Palestinian flags. The disruption of the ceremony caused distress for attendees, including Shaevsky, who had hoped to graduate from the University of Michigan for many years. The ongoing protests and clashes between demonstrators and authorities have led to tensions on campus, with some expressing frustration at the disruptions caused by the protesters.
Despite the disruptions and chaos caused by the protesters, the university has announced restrictions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The restrictions include a prohibition of banners, flags, and objects that obstruct sightlines. The university has emphasized its commitment to free speech but also the need to maintain order and decorum during events such as commencement ceremonies. Graduates like Shaevsky have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the disruption of what should have been a celebratory event, calling for university officials to take a stronger stance against such disruptions on campus. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in balancing free speech with maintaining order and safety on campus.
