A Harvard University commencement speaker criticized the school for barring a group of students involved in an anti-Israel encampment. The speaker, Shruthi Kumar, brought up the issue during her speech and expressed disappointment over the intolerance for freedom of speech and civil disobedience on campus. In response, over 1,000 students staged a walkout to show support for the disqualified students. Many carried signs denouncing the decision and chanted for the students to be allowed to graduate.
Harvard had suspended five students and sanctioned over 20 others for their participation in the anti-Israel encampment, resulting in the exclusion of 13 seniors from the graduation ceremony. Kumar viewed this as a violation of freedom of speech and the right to express solidarity. She emphasized that the sanctions were against civil rights and democratic principles, highlighting the widespread opposition to the decision among students and faculty. Her speech received cheers and a standing ovation from the audience, including some faculty members.
Interim Harvard President Alan Garber faced backlash at the commencement when he mentioned the protests that had disrupted the campus. He acknowledged the students’ right to express themselves but urged them to consider the community and the event’s significance. The governing board of Harvard defended its decision, stating that the 13 students had violated university policies during the encampment protest. They cited the student handbook, which indicates that students not in good standing are ineligible for degrees.
Despite the controversy, Harvard proceeded with conferring 1,539 degrees to other students while offering the excluded 13 a chance to appeal their disqualification. The school recognized the significance of the situation for the students and their families and indicated a willingness to expedite the degree process if successful appeals were made. The situation sparked discussions about freedom of speech, civil disobedience, and the role of universities in upholding democratic principles. The dissent and support expressed by students and faculty shed light on ongoing debates surrounding academic freedom and student activism.
