COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CANCELS MAIN GRADUATION EVENT AMID PRO-GAZA STIRS

NEW DELHI: Columbia University has announced the cancellation of its large university-wide commencement ceremony amidst ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. However, the university will proceed with smaller school-based ceremonies scheduled for this week and next, according to a statement released by university officials on Monday.

The decision to cancel the university-wide ceremony on May 15 was made after discussions with students and considering their feedback.

University officials said, "Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families." The focus will now shift to Class Days and school-level graduation ceremonies, where students are honored individually alongside their peers.

The past few weeks have been described as "incredibly difficult" for the Columbia University community. The cancellation of the large ceremony comes in the wake of ongoing protests, including more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were arrested last month after camping out on Columbia's green.

Similar protests have taken place at universities across the country, as schools grapple with maintaining safe and inclusive campuses while allowing for free expression. The University of Southern California (USC) recently canceled its main graduation ceremony while allowing other commencement activities to proceed. At USC, students abandoned their camp after being surrounded by police and threatened with arrest.

The protests are rooted in the conflict that began on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel. The ensuing violence has resulted in casualties on both sides, with significant civilian loss of life. The situation remains complex and sensitive, with ongoing efforts to address the underlying issues and achieve a peaceful resolution.

(With inputs from agencies)