Columbia University cancels commencement ceremony after Gaza protests rock campus
Columbia has cancelled its university-wide commencement ceremony this month for “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations,” after weeks of pro-Palestine protests on campus.
“Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families,” the university said Monday. “
They are eager to cross the stage to applause and family pride and hear from their school’s invited guest speakers. As a result, we will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly.”
The university came to the decision after discussions with student leaders. Security reasons were noted as the main reason behind the decision, a university official told NBC News.
