Universities are hiring more security, screening attendees at event venues and emphasizing that they will not tolerate significant disruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters.
Students booed and chanted “Free Palestine” as the president of the University of Utah spoke Thursday night at the graduation ceremony. He paused his speech to ask those protesting to leave or they would be removed from the event. Outside the ceremony in Salt Lake City, a group of about 50 people was protesting. An arrest was made.
“Milestone is a perfect word,” said Ken Burdick of Tampa, Florida, describing his daughter’s graduation Saturday from the University of Michigan. Hope the big day goes off without a hitch.
“People can exercise their First Amendment rights without disrupting or creating fear,” Burdick added of the protesters.
Here’s a look at how some colleges plan to protect graduations from violence:
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
More than 8,000 graduates — and 63,000 spectators — are expected for Saturday’s events inside Michigan Stadium, known as The Big House. There will be security checks and disruptive protesters could be evicted. Public safety officers and personnel who commonly monitor major events, such as fall football games, will be present. Author and historian Brad Meltzer is the keynote speaker.
In March, an annual event recognizing high-achieving students ended early after pro-Palestinian protesters held up provocative signs and drowned out President Santa Ono’s comments by shouting, “They are funding genocide!”
The university subsequently drafted a policy that could lead to the expulsion of students and dismissal of staff for disruptions to events, although it has not been finalized.
“It was painful for everyone who had gathered — and especially for members of our Jewish community,” Ono said two days later.
Protesters have set up dozens of tents on the Diag, a historic space for campus activism more than a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the stadium. They demand that the University of Michigan cut its financial ties to companies linked to Israel. There has been no effort to break up the camp and no arrests.
“We respect and uphold the principles of free expression, and we also recognize that no one has the right to disrupt university activities,” Laurie McCauley, the university’s chief academic officer, said in a graduation email sent to students and staff.
Blake Richards, 25, is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Richards plans to be at the football stadium Saturday after participating in a smaller ceremony Thursday for chemistry students.
“It might take away some great feelings; confuse them,” Richards said of any disruption. “But, to tell the truth, it doesn’t bother me. I know others have different opinions. I’m just happy to be here.”
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
The Bloomington, Indiana, campus designated protest zones outside Skjodt Assembly Auditorium and Memorial Stadium, where ceremonies will be held Friday for graduate students and Saturday for undergraduate students. Nearly 10,000 students are eligible to attend.
A social media post circulating on Instagram urged protesters to wear “their kufiya along with their cap and gown” and leave during university President Pamela Whitten’s Saturday speech.
Approximately 20 tents set up by protesters remained set up this week in an area known as Dunn Meadow, 1.6 kilometers from the stadium. Dozens of protesters have been arrested there recently, according to the Indiana Daily Student newspaper.
Maya Wasserman, a 22-year-old Jewish senior business major, said she and her family are uncomfortable with the prospect of pro-Palestinian protests disrupting the graduation ceremony. She expressed special concern for her mother and her grandmother, who are Israeli.
“It’s unfortunate because we want this event to be about graduation, not politics,” Wasserman said.
At Dunn Meadow, students sitting in lawn chairs or on blankets worked on their final assignments. Jessica Missey, a 20-year-old protester and senior, said she boycotted finals; some teachers, she reported, simply canceled them. She has enjoyed the camaraderie at camp.
“For me, graduation is just like taking a small step aside,” Missey added.
UNIVERSIDAD NORTHEASTERN
A week after police arrested nearly 100 protesters at Northeastern University, the university will hold its graduation ceremonies Sunday at Fenway Park baseball stadium, home of the Boston Red Sox, for the fourth consecutive year.
The venue will help security officials monitor the crowd and limit what people can bring with them. Full-size posters, banners, balloons and flags are prohibited in the stadium, as are most bags and backpacks. Renata Nyul, vice president of communications, said public security personnel will be reinforced.
All those entering Fenway Park must pass through metal detectors. About 50,000 graduates, family and friends are expected.
Northeastern is one of several Boston-area universities that have held pro-Palestinian camps. Some have allowed protests to continue, although Northeastern’s was withdrawn.
“While we are aware that the world’s issues generate passionate viewpoints, the focus this weekend should be on our graduates and their notable achievements,” Nyul added.
Source: With information from AP
