Columbia University, the epicenter of US student protests against the war in Gaza, on Monday cancelled its main graduation ceremony, as colleges seek to contain the demonstrations that have rocked campuses for weeks.
The Ivy League school in New York, where at least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested last week, cited security concerns as it canceled the ceremony scheduled for May 15, with smaller events planned instead.
“We will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly,” Columbia said in a statement.
Graduation ceremonies — a key event in American university life — have become a new target for pro-Palestinian demonstrators after heavy-handed policing removed many of their on-campus encampments.
On Saturday, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters wearing graduation gowns and keffiyehs briefly interrupted a commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan.
Some unfurled Palestinian flags and marched toward the stage chanting “You are funding genocide,” before being stopped by police.