Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at US universities may see walkouts

The universities across US are preparing for possible disruptions at graduation ceremonies. Four universities rocked by pro-Palestinian protests will hold graduations this weekend.

While many others, including Columbia University, have scheduled ceremonies throughout the month and in June.

Universities are stepping up security measures considering walkouts and other possible actionsby protesting student.

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Protesters established encampments and organised campus demonstrations to urge their universities to cut connections with Israel due to the conflict in Gaza. In response, many colleges brought in law enforcement, resulting in thousands of arrests.

According to a BBC count, since protests began at Columbia University last month, demonstrations have taken place at nearly 140 colleges across 45 states and Washington DC.

Student protesters have been quiet about plans of disruptions at graduations.

Also Read |Over 2,100 arrests made in pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses

The Indiana University, IU Divest and the Palestine Solidarity Committee - whose camp at Indiana University was cleared by police twice in recent weeks - have called for a walk-out at graduation events.

"Make your pro-Palestine stance clear at the 'Liberated Zone' instead," reads a post on Instagram, referencing a protest area at the university's campus in Bloomington.

"Join us in wearing your keffiyeh along with your cap and gown," the post further read.

The walk-out is planned when Pamela Whitten, the university president, begins to speak, according to the post.

It is worth mentioning that more than 2,000 people, including students, have been arrested on campuses across the United States, as of Friday (May 3) in pro-Palestinian protests at US universities.

These demonstrations are no longer limited to the US with people and students across the world taking to university campuses, setting up encampments and showing up in large numbers to protest the war in Gaza.

Also Read |Police tear down barricades at UCLA protest encampment

Meanwhile, Yemen-based Iranian-backed militant group Houthi said that it will offer education to students suspended from US universities for anti-Israel protests, according to a Reuters report.

“We are serious about welcoming students that have been suspended from US universities for supporting Palestinians,” an official at Sanaa University, which is run by the Houthis, told the news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)