Harvard graduates walk out of commencement after weeks of protests

At Harvard University, 13 students who took part in recent pro-Palestinian protests on campus will not be allowed to receive their diplomas with other students, the university announced Thursday. Hundreds of graduates walked out.

According to the Associated Press, a group of graduates left the ceremony shouting “Liberate Palestine, liberate Palestine” and “Let them walk, let them walk,” referring to the students who were not allowed to walk during the ceremony.

total Over 1,000 students According to the school’s protest group, students took part in the walkout.

Harvard University’s Board of Trustees has determined that the 13 students in question are not in “good standing” because they have violated university policy through their involvement in recent protest camps on campus and involvement in Harvard University. . stated in a written statement.

“This decision was made noting that Harvard University’s Student Handbook explicitly states that students with failing grades are ineligible for a degree,” the statement said. “We understand that not being able to graduate is a serious matter for students and their families.”

“Our free speech and expressions of solidarity have been punished this semester,” student speaker Shruti Kumar told fellow graduates at Thursday’s ceremony, according to the Associated Press. Kumar said she felt she had to acknowledge the 13 undergraduates who did not receive their degrees, adding that she was “deeply disappointed in the intolerance of free speech and the right to civil disobedience on campus.”

Kumar said more than 1,500 students petitioned and nearly 500 staff and faculty members spoke out about Harvard’s decision.

“This is about civil rights and upholding democratic principles,” she was quoted as saying. “Students have spoken. Faculty have spoken. Harvard, can you hear us?”

Harvard University is one of a number of university campuses in the United States that have been disrupted by weeks of pro-Palestinian protests in recent days. The encampment and other demonstrations called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Harvard University’s statement Wednesday hinted at the possibility of an appeals process for students and noted support for the College of Arts and Sciences’ intent to demonstrate expedited review of appeal requests.

“We care deeply about all members of our community – students, faculty, staff, researchers and alumni – and have chosen a path forward that is consistent with our responsibilities and has reaffirmed our processes to ensure that students receive a prompt and fair review,” the statement read.