Columbia University is reevaluating its plans for commencement after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests on campus resulted in authorities arresting dozens of people who had barricaded themselves in a school building. The university is considering canceling the main commencement ceremony due to security concerns, but smaller events are still being planned. Student government members met with university leaders, who expressed uncertainty about holding the ceremony on the main campus and are exploring alternative venues. Concerns have been raised about President Minouche Shafik speaking at the event, with some students worried about the expense of staying on campus until the scheduled commencement date.
Approximately 15,000 students are expected to graduate from Columbia University on May 15 in separate outdoor ceremonies, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1758. Individual schools within Columbia typically hold their own graduation ceremonies as well. Some faculty and staff at Columbia and Barnard are planning to attend an alternative graduation ceremony on May 16, inspired by a counter-commencement held in 1968. The recent protests at Columbia were sparked by demands for a Gaza cease-fire and divestment from companies allegedly profiting from war. Protesters originally encamped on campus and were later cleared out, but returned and barricaded themselves inside a school building, leading to police intervention and arrests.
The occupation at Columbia University has raised questions about President Minouche Shafik’s leadership, with some students and faculty expressing concerns about the handling of the situation. The university sought assistance from the New York City Police Department to clear out the occupied building, citing safety concerns and disruptions caused by the protesters. Campus unrest and protests have been reported at other universities, with some leading to arrests and police intervention. Columbia’s dilemma of whether to proceed with commencement amid security concerns or cancel it entirely mirrors challenges faced by other colleges, such as the University of Southern California canceling its main commencement ceremony last month.
In response to the protests and occupation at Columbia University, authorities arrested nearly 100 people, including 40 individuals found on the barricaded building’s first floor. The university warned students of potential suspension if they did not dismantle an encampment on the campus’ West Lawn, explaining that the actions taken were in response to the protesters’ behavior rather than their cause. Columbia’s plans for commencement are still being finalized, with concerns about uncertainties surrounding the ceremony, including the presence of outside protesters and the availability of alternative venues. The university is committed to ensuring a smooth and celebratory experience for all graduating students and their families, with more information on commencement preparations expected to be shared soon.
