Even though Columbia University’s main graduation ceremony was canceled due to massive student riots, pro-Palestinian graduates still continued to protest at smaller undergraduate ceremonies.
Graduates of the New York City institution walked across the stage wearing zip tie handcuffs and protest signs, some holding their diplomas in front of the audience, at the school’s social work graduation ceremony on Friday. Some tore it to shreds.
A video called of new york post obtained show Several graduates filed into the podium wearing keffiyehs (Middle Eastern scarves symbolizing Palestinian nationalism) to receive their degrees.
@nypost #Columbia University At the graduation ceremony, some graduates were seen wearing zip ties and tearing up their diplomas on stage.
When one graduate, Maliha Fairouz, received her diploma with handcuffed hands, it appeared that the name of Hamas official Mazen Jamal al-Nasheh was written on her cap.
The act of defiance comes after hundreds of protesters were arrested in chaotic campus protests that featured illegal tent encampments and the occupation of the Ivy League school’s Hamilton Hall. It was conducted.
Insane!Protesters at Columbia University break windows and barricade themselves inside the building.
Jessica Schwalb, Storyful
The school said the decision to choose a smaller ceremony rather than the typically large graduation ceremony was made out of “safety concerns.”
“Holding a large graduation ceremony on our campus posed safety concerns that unfortunately proved insurmountable,” Columbia University spokesperson Ben Chan said in a statement. “Like the students, we are deeply disappointed by this result.”
