Security Concerns Drive Columbia University To Shift Graduation Ceremonies Amid Campus Protests

• Columbia University shifts to smaller, school-based graduations due to security concerns amid protests.
• Student input shapes decision for safer, individual-focused ceremonies.
• Nationwide trend: Campus activism alters graduation plans at universities.

 

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Columbia University has decided to replace its universitywide commencement ceremony on May 15 with smaller-scale, school-based celebrations.

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This decision comes after weeks of protests on campus.

According to university officials, the move was made after discussions with student leaders, with security concerns being a major factor.

“Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families,” the university stated on Monday.

The focus will be on keeping these ceremonies safe, respectful, and smooth-running.

Students will be honored individually alongside their peers, and ceremonies scheduled at the south lawn of the Morningside campus have been relocated.

The university is considering holding a festive event on May 15 to replace the large formal ceremony.

Graduation ceremonies for various schools will take place at different times and locations, according to a schedule released by Columbia.

The recent protests have led to arrests and shaken confidence in university President Minouche Shafik among some students and faculty.

Similar protests have occurred at other universities across the country, raising concerns about commencement ceremonies.

At the University of Michigan, Palestinian flags were waved during the commencement, and banners displayed conflicting messages.

However, there were no arrests, according to a statement from the assistant vice president for public affairs.

Last month, the University of Southern California canceled its main commencement ceremony but will still host individual school ceremonies and related events.

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These incidents reflect a broader trend of campus activism affecting graduation ceremonies nationwide.

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