After weeks of unrest on campus, Columbia University has made the decision to alter its graduation plans, canceling its main ceremony in favor of multiple school-specific celebrations. University officials announced the change on Monday, citing feedback from students who expressed a desire for smaller-scale, individualized events.

In their announcement, officials emphasized the importance of Class Days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honored individually alongside their peers. These events hold special significance for students and their families, who eagerly anticipate the opportunity to cross the stage, receive applause, and listen to guest speakers from their respective schools.

To ensure a safe and smooth experience for all, Columbia University will relocate the ceremonies, originally planned to take place on the South Lawn. In light of recent protests, the university has chosen the Baker Athletics Complex, its primary outdoor sports venue, as the new location. These ceremonies will now run from May 10 to May 16, with tickets being required for attendance.

Columbia College will hold its ceremony on the morning of May 14, followed by Barnard College the following day. It is worth noting that Columbia President Minouche Shafik had previously requested a New York Police Department (NYPD) presence on campus until at least May 17 to maintain order and prevent reestablishment of encampments.

The decision to change graduation plans comes in the wake of escalating protests on campus. Earlier this month, pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment, demanding an end to war in Gaza and calling for divestment from Israel. After negotiations faltered, the university began suspending students who failed to vacate the encampment by the given deadline.

Escalation occurred when protesters moved to Hamilton Hall, barricading themselves inside and echoing the protests that occurred at Columbia in 1968. The university went into a state of lockdown, with police eventually entering the hall and arresting 112 protesters. It is worth mentioning that some protesters arrested were not affiliated with the university.

President Shafik has faced criticism from various quarters regarding her handling of the protests. Calls for her resignation have been made, but she continues to have the support of Columbia's board of trustees. The university officials acknowledged the difficulties the community has faced in recent weeks and expressed their commitment to seek student input regarding the possibility of an alternative event to replace the cancelled large, formal ceremony on May 15.

Columbia University now joins the ranks of the University of Southern California in cancelling parts of its graduation ceremony due to security concerns. However, other universities are moving forward with their graduation plans, anticipating potential protests. Indiana University recently held an alternate graduation ceremony, while the University of Michigan's graduation was briefly disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters waving flags and banners.

As graduation season approaches, Columbia University's decision highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in managing protests while honoring their graduates' achievements. The focus on smaller, more intimate celebrations seeks to strike a balance between student desires and maintaining a safe environment for all involved.