WCommencement ceremonies are being held at colleges and universities across the US. As many campuses have been roiled by protests against the Israel-Hamas war, some school administrations have taken steps to contain disruptions during their graduation activities.
The University of Michigan graduation was held Saturday morning with some interruptions. Before the ceremony, the school said staff and security officers were ready to respond and that interfering with graduation would not be considered free speech.
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Northeastern University
In Boston, Northeastern University’s commencement ceremonies began peacefully on Sunday morning at Fenway Park.
Some students waved Palestinian flags, but they were scattered among the flags of India, the United States and other nations. Graduate students did the ceremony first, with the graduation ceremony scheduled for the afternoon.
Police last month arrested about 100 protesters at Northeastern when they broke up an encampment on the Boston campus.
See more information: 25 arrested at University of Virginia as pro-Palestinian protests continue on US campuses
University of Michigan
Police officers stood nearby as some graduates holding Palestinian flags and shouting pro-Palestinian messages protested during commencement at the University of Michigan on Saturday, where tens of thousands of people gathered inside Michigan Stadium. One banner read: “There are no universities left in Gaza.”
The protests took place off stage and did not interrupt the nearly two-hour event. But U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro paused a few times during the remarks and at one point said, “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, if you would, please turn your attention to the podium.”
Del Toro administered the oath of office to military graduates. He said they would “protect the freedoms we hold dear,” including the “right to peacefully protest.”
Protesters have been demanding that Michigan cut financial ties with any companies linked to Israel. The university allowed protesters to set up a camp in the middle of campus.
Police helped disperse a large gathering Friday night in front of a campus art museum, where a dinner for honorary degree recipients was held. At least one person was arrested.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
