In a show of solidarity with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, dozens of students at the University of Chicago staged a walkout during the school's commencement ceremony. The protest was in response to the university's decision to withhold the diplomas of four seniors involved with a pro-Palestinian encampment.

The disruption, which took place during the rainy two-hour outdoor ceremony, was short-lived but impactful. Students shouted slogans denouncing the war and called for an end to what they referred to as "genocide." Amidst the commotion, a group of students walked out between speeches, while a demonstration followed the official ceremony. Many participants held Palestinian flags or wore traditional keffiyeh scarves as symbols of solidarity.

One of the affected seniors, Youssef Haweh, expressed his disappointment with the university's decision, stating, "My diploma doesn't matter when there are people in Palestine and in Gaza who will never walk a stage again, who will never receive a diploma. What about them? Who's going to fight for them?"

University officials acknowledged the walkout, emphasizing their commitment to upholding students' rights to express diverse viewpoints. In a statement, the university affirmed that it is currently reviewing complaints related to the encampment and disciplinary actions against the graduating seniors.

Similar protests have taken place at other prestigious universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as pro-Palestinian encampments continue to spring up both in the U.S. and Europe. Participants in these protests demand that their respective universities sever ties with Israel or any companies that allegedly support the war in Gaza. Their ultimate objective is to draw attention to what they believe is a genocidal campaign by Israel against Palestinians.

Following the commencement, a small demonstration occurred where protesters attempted to access a closed street. University officials reported that one individual, who was not affiliated with the school, was arrested during the incident.

The University of Chicago had initially taken a permissive approach towards the encampment; however, they later decided to clear the protest on May 7 due to mounting safety concerns. The administrative response came after one group temporarily took over a university building.

As a result of formal complaints, including allegations of disruptive conduct, the university will conduct a thorough review of the demonstrations. If the students are exonerated from any campus policy violations, they will still be able to receive their degrees. No comment has been made by the university regarding the withheld diplomas.

The controversy surrounding the University of Chicago's decision has gained significant attention, with thousands of students and faculty members signing a petition urging the university to grant the degrees. Additionally, over a dozen Chicago City Council members have written a letter advocating for the same outcome. It remains to be seen how the university will respond to these calls for action.