Columbia University recently made the decision to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony due to ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on campus. While the cancellation may disappoint many, the university plans to hold a series of smaller, school-based ceremonies in the coming weeks to allow students to celebrate their achievements.
This decision comes as universities across the country grapple with how to handle commencements for students who had their high school graduations disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Emory University, another campus that has been affected by protests, has announced a move of its commencement ceremony from its Atlanta campus to a suburban arena. On the other hand, some universities like the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and Northeastern have successfully conducted their ceremonies with minimal disruptions.
For Columbia, canceling the main commencement scheduled for May 15 was a way to avoid potential conflicts. The university’s president, Minouche Shafik, would have had to deliver her address in the same area where a protest encampment was dismantled by the police just a week prior. After discussing with students, officials determined that smaller-scale, school-based celebrations would hold more meaning for the students and their families.
Most of the ceremonies that were originally planned for the south lawn of the main campus will now take place 5 miles away at Columbia’s sports complex. Notable speakers scheduled for these ceremonies include Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames and Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health.
Columbia University had already canceled in-person classes prior to this decision. The protests on campus related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have led to the arrest of more than 200 demonstrators who had camped out or occupied academic buildings. Similar protests have emerged in other universities as well, highlighting the challenges of allowing free expression while maintaining safety and inclusivity on campus.
While some universities have opted for enhanced security during their graduation ceremonies, others have taken a different approach. The University of Southern California, for instance, canceled its main graduation ceremony, leading protesters to abandon their camp following being surrounded by police and facing potential arrest.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has sparked intense emotions and activism on college campuses. Students are demanding that their universities divest from companies conducting business with Israel or supporting the war effort. These protests reflect a larger trend of social and political engagement among the younger generation.
As universities navigate these complex issues, it is crucial to find a balance between allowing free expression and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. The ongoing conflicts and protests highlight the need for open dialogue and understanding among diverse perspectives. Universities should continue to foster spaces for discussion, education, and peaceful activism.
Looking ahead, it is important for universities to learn from these experiences and develop strategies for effectively handling protests and conflicts in the future. Providing platforms for dialogue, engaging with student activists, and prioritizing safety are key considerations. It is also important for universities to address the underlying issues and concerns raised by student protesters, promoting social justice and equality on campus.
In conclusion, Columbia University’s decision to cancel its large university-wide commencement ceremony due to pro-Palestinian protests reflects the challenges universities face in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment while allowing for free expression. As protests continue to emerge on campuses across the country, it is crucial for universities to prioritize dialogue, education, and understanding. This ongoing conflict highlights the need for universities to address the concerns of their students and work towards social justice and equality on campus.
