In response to weeks of disruptive and violent anti-Israel protests that brought campus life to a halt, Columbia University announced on Monday the cancellation of its school-wide commencement ceremony. Instead, the Ivy League school will hold smaller-scale, school-based celebrations for graduating students.

The decision to cancel the traditional commencement ceremony was made after consulting with graduating students, the university stated. Columbia University spokesperson Ben Chang expressed disappointment, stating that holding a large commencement ceremony on campus presented insurmountable security concerns. The university attempted to find an alternate venue, but none were large enough to accommodate the more than 50,000 people who typically attend the event.

As a result, none of the school's smaller ceremonies will be held on its iconic South Lawn, traditionally the location for such events. Most of the pared-down ceremonies will now take place at Columbia's sports complex, located approximately 5 miles away from the main campus.

The cancellation of the commencement ceremony has sparked frustration and disappointment among students and their families. One Jewish undergraduate student at Columbia expressed disappointment, calling the decision "cowardice" from an administration that he believes has been spineless throughout the protests. Another student, Ari Rosen, who is graduating from Columbia Dental School, shared his disappointment at losing both his undergraduate and dental school graduations due to unforeseen circumstances.

While the decision was made in consultation with graduating students, many expressed disappointment for their families who had made plans to attend. One student highlighted the excitement her family had in attending both her graduation and her brother's, who is also graduating from Columbia. The cancellation of the ceremonies was seen as a double blow to her family.

The cancellation comes in the wake of New York City Mayor Eric Adams urging local colleges not to yield to disruptive provocateurs and to continue with their normal way of life. The city supports the right of students to have their graduation ceremonies, emphasizing that the actions of a few protesters should not unfairly impact those who have worked hard to earn their diplomas.

The decision also drew attention from the White House, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressing sympathy for the graduates who will miss out on their important day of celebration. Jean-Pierre noted that commencement speeches are a significant moment of joy and celebration, and it is unfortunate that a small group of individuals went too far, ultimately costing their classmates this important event.

The cancellation of the commencement ceremony comes less than a week after NYPD cops forcibly removed a pro-terror mob that had illegally taken over the university's iconic Hamilton Hall building. The NYPD had already been brought in on a previous occasion to clear out disruptive demonstrators.

Despite the cancellation of the university-wide ceremony, Columbia University remains committed to celebrating and honoring its graduating students through smaller-scale, school-based celebrations. The university assured students and their families that it is determined to provide them with the celebration they deserve, focusing resources on keeping these ceremonies safe, respectful, and running smoothly.

While disappointed, many graduating students and their families look forward to these school-based celebrations as a way to acknowledge their achievements and mark the end of their academic journey at Columbia University.