Dozens of graduates left Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on Saturday after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered the commencement address.
Video of Saturday morning’s incident shows a crowd of graduates rising from their seats and exiting the Greater Richmond Convention Center as the Republican governor begins to speak. Several voices could be heard cheering for the students.
RICHMOND, VA – MAY 11: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin delivers the VCU Commencement Address on May 11, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. (Parker Michels Voice, The Washington Post, via Getty Images)
(Parker Michels Boyce of The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The governor, who was also awarded an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letter at Saturday’s graduation ceremony, began her speech with a shout-out to all mothers ahead of Mother’s Day. He did not acknowledge those who left and continued his speech.
“The world needs your music,” Ms. Youngkin told the students still in attendance. “You all become a symphony. Let’s make it a masterpiece.”
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Many of those who left during Yonkin’s speech showed their support for the Palestinians as Israel continues its war with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. reported that some held placards expressing opposition to the governor’s education policies. Local Outlet WRIC-TV.
Protesters marched across the border shouting, “No books, no peace, increase knowledge” and “Disclose, strip, we will not stop, we will not rest.” Later, a group of graduates reached the park and chanted, “A people united will never lose.” Many were still wearing their graduation gowns.
Fox News Digital has reached out to VCU and the governor’s office for comment.
Dozens of students emerge from the auditorium as Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin begins his speech at the VCU Graduation Ceremony on May 11, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. (Parker Michels Boyce of The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Similar scenes occurred Saturday at other graduation ceremonies across the country, following weeks of unrest on college campuses in which anti-Israel demonstrators confronted administrators.
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Saturday was less chaotic than Friday, when police arrested dozens of people on other college campuses and took control of encampments at the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but the action did not stop police from tear-gazing protesters at the University of Arizona. This was done several hours after using the gas.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
