Columbia Cancels University Wide Commencement After Anti-Israel Protests

A university official tells Fox News that security concerns in the wake of recent anti-Israel protests on campus was one of the main reasons in deciding to cancel the larger event.

“Our Deans and other colleagues who work directly with our students have been discussing plans with student leaders, and, most importantly, listening. Based on their feedback, we have decided to make the centerpiece of our Commencement activities our Class Days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honored individually alongside their peers, rather than the University-wide ceremony that is scheduled for May 15,” Columbia said in a statement.

“Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families,” it continued. “As a result, we will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly.” Columbia University has been rocked by a wave of antisemitic protests that have resulted in more than 100 arrests.

“These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. Just as we are focused on making our graduation experience truly special, we continue to solicit student feedback and are looking at the possibility of a festive event on May 15 to take the place of the large, formal ceremony,” Columbia also said.

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