Columbia University in New York City announced on Monday the cancellation of its main graduation ceremony following weeks of intense pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted the campus, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Despite the cancellation, the university will still hold smaller, school-based events to honor graduating students. The decision came after concerns over security, with university spokesperson Ben Chang citing insurmountable challenges in ensuring the safety of attendees.
Efforts were made by Columbia University to secure an alternative venue for the ceremony, but none could accommodate the large number of students, families, and guests, which typically exceeds 50,000. The protests at Columbia gained national attention and sparked similar demonstrations at universities across the United States. Students voiced demands for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged their schools to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
The cancellation of the ceremony at Columbia adds to the broader political tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has become a contentious issue during a U.S. election year. Republican figures have criticized the university’s decision, accusing administrators of being too lenient on protesters.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups have planned rallies both in support of Palestinian rights and in solidarity with Jewish and Israeli students. As universities grapple with the aftermath of protests, questions about campus safety and free speech continue to be at the forefront of discussions nationwide.
