Protests Supporting Palestine Temporarily Interrupt University of Michigan Graduation

Pro-Palestinian protesters made their voices heard at the University of Michigan’s commencement ceremony, causing a brief disruption as they called for an end to the violence in Gaza. The protesters, wearing keffiyeh headdresses and waving Palestinian flags, walked down the center aisle of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, drawing both cheers and boos from the crowd.

Despite the interruption, the ceremony continued as campus police escorted the protesters out of the stadium without making any arrests. University spokesperson Colleen Mastony stated that peaceful protests have been a part of U-M commencement ceremonies for decades, emphasizing the institution’s support for free speech and expression.

The protests at U-M are part of a larger trend across U.S. campuses, where students are demanding action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and calling for their schools to divest from companies that support Israel’s government. The University of Virginia also saw tensions rise as police in riot gear moved in on Pro-Palestinian protesters, arresting some and dispersing the encampment.

Overall, over 2,000 protesters have been arrested at colleges around the country as demonstrations continue to escalate. The University of Michigan and other universities have adjusted their security protocols for graduation ceremonies in response to the ongoing protests. The anti-war demonstrations are a response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in the region.