A group of students at Duke University recently made headlines as they walked out of the commencement ceremony, waving Palestinian flags in protest of commencement speaker Jerry Seinfeld. Boos and chants could be heard as the students made their exit, demanding that the university disclose its assets and divest from businesses doing business with the Israeli military. The walkout, which included about 40 students out of the 6,900 set to be awarded degrees, continued outside the stadium with chants of “free Palestine.”
Although Seinfeld, known for his comedy and television show “Seinfeld,” has taken a more vocal pro-Israel stance in recent months, he did not address the ongoing conflict in Gaza or the campus protests in his speech after receiving an honorary degree from Duke. Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica Seinfeld, have faced criticism for donating thousands to a pro-Israel counterprotest at UCLA, where violence broke out between counterprotesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
The protest at Duke is just one of several recent disruptions at college commencement ceremonies. At Virginia Commonwealth University, about 60 students walked out on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s speech, while at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, around 20 students turned their backs on the chancellor during her speech. Students at the University of California-Berkeley also disrupted their commencement ceremony with chants.
Tensions have been high on college campuses following crackdowns on protest encampments in recent weeks. The protests at these ceremonies reflect a broader trend of activism among young people in response to various social and political issues. These events also highlight the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has sparked heated debates and demonstrations on college campuses across the country.
The disruption at Duke and other universities underscores the importance of free speech and the right to peaceful protest on college campuses. As students continue to push for social justice and political change, institutions must navigate the delicate balance between upholding academic freedom and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all members of their community. The protests also serve as a reminder of the power of student activism in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions.
As students and communities grapple with these complex issues, it is crucial for universities to engage in meaningful dialogue and create spaces for diverse perspectives to be heard. The protests at commencement ceremonies serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality, and the role that young people play in driving social change. Through peaceful protests and collective action, students are making their voices heard and advocating for a more just and equitable society for all.
