In response to the ongoing Gaza Solidarity Encampment, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced increased safety measures for this year's Commencement ceremony. As part of these measures, Penn has implemented added security protocols and removed specific details about the student procession.

In a message obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, the Office of the University Secretary outlined several steps to ensure the safety of all attendees at the Commencement ceremony, scheduled to take place on May 20 at Franklin Field. These measures include airport-style security, a strict no-bag policy, and mandatory PennCard checks for all graduates entering the field.

Last year, Penn introduced airport-style security measures during the Commencement ceremony due to the attendance of President Joe Biden. This year, the University has decided to maintain a high level of security at all Franklin Field gates and within the stadium.

The message from the Office of the University Secretary also mentioned that the security procedures for the ceremony may change as conditions warrant, highlighting the evolving circumstances on Penn's campus.

In addition to the enhanced security measures, Penn has updated information about the processional of graduates on the Commencement website. Specific details about the path of the procession, which typically passes through College Green where the encampment has expanded, have been removed from the website archives. The procession has also been delayed by 30 minutes, now scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Alterations to other events on campus have also been made. Penn Alumni Relations informed campus groups about changes for Alumni Weekend, including the relocation of the Penn Fair to Houston Hall. The Penn Fair, where student groups and departments showcase their activities to visiting alumni, is traditionally held on Locust Walk outside Van Pelt Library.

The ongoing Gaza Solidarity Encampment has also affected commencement ceremonies at other universities across the country. Columbia University canceled its main ceremony after police cleared an academic building and encampment occupied by protesters. The University of Southern California has made significant updates to its graduation ceremony plans after prohibiting the valedictorian from delivering remarks.

As the encampment on College Green continued to expand, several buildings around Penn's campus, including Van Pelt-Dietrich Library and Penn Hillel, have increased security measures. Penn Police and the Philadelphia Police Department have escalated their presence as Alumni Weekend approaches.

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The University of Pennsylvania is taking proactive steps to prioritize the safety of all attendees at the upcoming 2024 Commencement ceremony in light of the ongoing Gaza Solidarity Encampment. By implementing additional security measures and adjusting event details, Penn aims to ensure a secure and successful graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024.