Columbia University recently canceled its large graduation ceremony due to a series of pro-Palestine protests for the Israel-Gaza conflict weeks prior to the event. According to university officials and the authorities, these protests have been disruptive for both students and the community itself.

First and foremost, protestors have been disrupting life on campus for students. As a result, administrators and student leaders made the collective decision to shut down their main commencement in an effort to protect the student body. Graduates will still be given the opportunity to attend a series of smaller celebrations.

“Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families,” Columbia University said in a statement May 6. “As a result, we will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful and running smoothly.”

The graduation ceremony was scheduled to take place May 15, located on the main campus lawn. However, this was where the protest encampment was stationed until the authorities dismantled it. Columbia University administrators called the police to clear the protestors from the school grounds, resulting in more that 100 arrests in upper Manhattan. Administration then requested the police to patrol the campus through May 17 to ensure the safety of the students. 

April 30, dozens of protestors gathered in front of Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall. They barricaded and covered entrances in banners with phrases such as “Free Palestine.” The protestors insisted that they would remain at the Hall until their demands were met. 

One of these demands was the termination of contracts with certain companies. Protestors had been frequently contacting the university to diminish its relations with certain companies. According to the protestors, these companies have been making a profit from the Israel-Gaza war.