Live updates: Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza shake up campuses nationwide

In the midst of graduation season, universities across the United States are facing challenges as pro-Palestinian protests disrupt campus life. Columbia University, along with other prestigious institutions, has made the decision to either cancel or modify their main commencement ceremonies in response to the escalating tensions.

The University of Southern California set the precedent by canceling its main commencement ceremony at the end of April, citing new safety measures. As protests intensified on campus grounds, other universities are following suit to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff.

Demands from the pro-Palestinian protests vary, but the overarching theme is a call for universities to divest from companies and entities that support or benefit from Israel’s actions in Gaza. Harvard University has issued warnings to protesters involved in the encampment, threatening “involuntary leave” and restrictions on exams and housing.

Columbia University announced the cancellation of its university-wide commencement ceremony due to security concerns, opting instead to focus on individual Class Day and school-level ceremonies. Emory University in Atlanta also announced a scaled-back and relocated commencement ceremony for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, students at Princeton University have launched a hunger strike to demand action on their grievances. The protests have not been limited to US campuses, as British universities like Oxford and Cambridge have also seen pro-Palestinian encampments calling for leadership to sever ties with Israel.

At the University of Southern California, police cleared a protest encampment without making arrests, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal encampments on campus. As universities navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff amidst the ongoing protests.