Protests over the war in Gaza have escalated on university campuses across the country, leading to the arrest of at least 25 people at the University of Virginia on Saturday. The demonstrations have disrupted graduation ceremonies and highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the end of the spring semester.
The arrests at the University of Virginia were a result of protesters violating school policy by setting up tents on the lawn and using megaphones. Police officers in riot gear eventually dismantled the encampment, using chemical irritants to disperse the crowd.
Pro-Palestinian students and their allies have been vocal in challenging their universities over financial ties to Israel and military companies, expressing outrage over the violence in Gaza, and condemning aggressive treatment of protesters on campus. The protests have added a complicated layer to graduation for students who have already faced disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the arrests and disruptions, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. At Indiana University, students walked out of the commencement ceremony, shouting “free, free Palestine” as they left.
The protests have extended beyond campus demonstrations to commencement ceremonies, with some schools facing disruptions from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters. Universities have tried to manage the situation by setting up designated protest areas and training volunteers on how to handle disruptions.
The ongoing protests have led to changes in some graduation ceremonies, with the University of Vermont canceling a commencement address by the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and the University of Southern California canceling its main stage ceremony due to the possibility of disruptions.
While many protests have remained peaceful, there have been instances of clashes and confrontations, including a violent attack by pro-Israel counterprotesters at the University of California, Los Angeles, and racist taunts hurled at protesters at the University of Mississippi.
As graduation season continues, universities are working to balance free speech rights with the need for a safe and celebratory atmosphere for all students.
