Los Angeles, California – The University of Southern California in Los Angeles made the decision to cancel its main commencement ceremony due to safety concerns over potential student protests. Similarly, in New York, Columbia University students expressed apprehension that their own commencement ceremony could be disrupted, following anti-war demonstrations that led to numerous arrests at the university.
Amidst rising tensions and protests on campuses nationwide, schools are facing uncertainties regarding potential adjustments or cancellations of their graduation ceremonies. Students, from the University of Michigan to Cornell University in New York, have taken part in protests urging their schools to divest from companies doing business with Israel, in opposition to the Israel-Hamas war.
For graduating college students, the cancellation or postponement of high school commencement ceremonies due to the pandemic adds to the challenges they have faced in pursuing their education. The uncertainty surrounding commencement ceremonies has left many students questioning what the future holds for their graduation celebrations.
At the University of Southern California, protests erupted following the cancellation of a Muslim student’s valedictorian speech because of security threats. This led to the university’s decision to cancel its main commencement ceremony, as protests intensified on college campuses, resulting in numerous arrests both on and off campus.
Despite the cancellations, USC officials have assured students that alternative activities and celebrations will be organized to ensure a memorable and meaningful commencement experience. Individual school commencement ceremonies will still take place, allowing students to cross the stage, have their names announced, receive their diplomas, and be photographed.
Meanwhile, at Columbia University, concerns loom over potential disruptions to the graduation ceremony as student protests continue. School officials have emphasized their commitment to prioritizing safety and security on campus, while still planning for a successful commencement weekend.
As students navigate through these challenges, growing tensions and animosities have been felt among peers on campus. Both Jewish and pro-Palestinian students have reported feeling unsafe and marginalized, with instances of dehumanization and hostility causing rifts within the student body.
Despite the challenges, students are working towards unity and meaningful celebrations amidst difficult circumstances, reminiscent of the adaptability they showed during the pandemic in 2020. Commencement ceremonies are seen as an opportunity to come together and find ways to celebrate achievements in the face of adversity.