After weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses across the United States, universities are now bracing for their upcoming commencement ceremonies, some of which are scheduled to take place as early as this weekend. Schools such as the University of Michigan, Northeastern, Arizona State, and Ohio State have been the sites of protests and will also be hosting graduation events in the coming days.

In response to the ongoing demonstrations, university administrations have issued warnings that any disruption during the commencement ceremonies will result in immediate removal from campus. Many students at various institutions are continuing to protest in support of Palestinian human rights. Arizona State University explicitly called for respect for all participants in commencement on its website, stating that individuals engaging in disruptive behavior will be escorted out of the event.

During last Saturday's commencement at the University of Michigan, students were seen waving Palestinian flags, while banners with messages such as "DIVEST FROM ISRAEL NOW! FREE PALESTINE!" and "WE STAND WITH ISRAEL JEWISH LIVES MATTER" were displayed in the sky. Around 75 protesters staged a demonstration at the beginning of the program, marching up the main aisle while chanting. However, no arrests were made, and the protesters were peacefully escorted to the rear of the stadium by public safety personnel, where they remained until the end of the ceremony.

To ensure the safety of all attendees, universities are taking additional security measures and screening individuals entering the venues, according to the Associated Press. At Columbia University, where a weekslong encampment and a protest at Hamilton Hall were cleared by the police, the administration is reportedly reconsidering the commencement ceremony planned for May 15. Sources within the university revealed that administrators are uncertain about holding the ceremony on the main Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan due to security concerns. While the main commencement ceremony may be canceled, smaller events are still being planned, but no final decisions have been made.

The pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the United States are not confined to American soil alone. These protests have garnered attention worldwide, with demonstrations being held in cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, and Beirut. Pro-Palestinian activism has also emerged at educational institutions like Sciences Po in France, the University of Leeds in England, and the University of Sydney in Australia.

As universities prepare for their commencement ceremonies, the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests serve as a reminder of the continued global attention and activism surrounding the Palestinian cause.