Current:Home > BackDisruptions at University of Chicago graduation as school withholds 4 diplomas over protests-InfoLens
Disruptions at University of Chicago graduation as school withholds 4 diplomas over protests
View Date:2024-12-23 14:12:43
CHICAGO (AP) — Dozens of students protesting the war in Gaza walked out of the University of Chicago’s commencement Saturday as the school withheld the diplomas of four seniors over their involvement with a pro-Palestinian encampment.
The disruption to the rainy two-hour outdoor ceremony was brief, with shouts, boos and calls to “Stop Genocide.” A crowd of students walked out in between speeches. Some chanted as they held Palestinian flags while others donned traditional keffiyeh, black and white checkered scarves that represent Palestinian solidarity, over their robes.
Four graduating seniors, including Youssef Haweh, were informed by email in recent days that their degrees would be withheld pending a disciplinary process related to complaints about the encampment, according to student group UChicago United for Palestine.
“My diploma doesn’t matter when there are people in Palestine and in Gaza that will never walk a stage again, who will never receive a diploma. What about them? Who’s going to fight for them?” Haweh said in a Saturday statement.
Students have walked out of commencements at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and others as protest camps have sprung up across the U.S. and in Europe in recent weeks. Students have demanded their universities stop doing business with Israel or companies they say support its war in Gaza. Organizers seek to amplify calls to end Israel’s war with Hamas, which they describe as a genocide against the Palestinians.
The University of Chicago encampment was cleared May 7. Administrators had initially adopted a permissive approach, but later said the protest had crossed a line and caused growing concerns about safety. One group temporarily took over a building on the school’s campus.
University officials, who did not return a message Saturday, have said the demonstrations prompted formal complaints including for “disruptive conduct,” and would require further review. The students were still able to participate in graduation, and can receive their degrees if they are later cleared after the university inquiry into alleged violations of campus policy.
Thousands of students and faculty members have signed a petition calling for the university to grant the degrees, while more than a dozen Chicago City Council members have penned a letter asking for the same.
veryGood! (89794)
Related
- A pregnant woman sues for the right to an abortion in challenge to Kentucky’s near-total ban
- Don Henley is asked at Hotel California lyrics trial about the time a naked teen overdosed at his home in 1980
- Toyota recalling 381,000 Tacoma pickups because parts can fall off rear axles, increasing crash risk
- 3-year-old fatally shot after man 'aggressively' accused girlfriend of infidelity, officials say
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Without Medicare Part B's shield, patient's family owes $81,000 for a single air-ambulance flight
- Boeing shows lack of awareness of safety measures, experts say
- Suspect in New York hotel killing remains in custody without bond in Arizona stabbings
- Up to 20 human skulls found in man's discarded bags, home in New Mexico
- Jennifer Aniston forgets the iconic 'Rachel' haircut from 'Friends' in new Uber Eats ad
Ranking
- 'Yellowstone's powerful opening: What happened to Kevin Costner's John Dutton?
- Biden and Trump plan dueling visits to U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday
- A work stoppage to support a mechanic who found a noose is snarling school bus service in St. Louis
- Eagles' Don Henley says 'poor decision' led to 1980 arrest after overdose of sex worker
- Lululemon, Disney partner for 34-piece collection and campaign: 'A dream collaboration'
- Mad Men Actor Eddie Driscoll Dead at 60
- Macy’s to close 150 unproductive namesake stores amid sales slip as it steps up luxury business
- Former MLB Pitcher José DeLeón Dead at 63
Recommendation
-
Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
-
Mexico upsets USWNT in Concacaf W Gold Cup: Highlights of stunning defeat
-
Portland teen missing since late 1960s was actually found dead in 1970, DNA database shows
-
FTC sues to block Kroger-Albertsons merger, saying it could push grocery prices higher
-
Are Ciara Ready and Russell Wilson Ready For Another Baby? She Says…
-
Brandon Jenner, wife Cayley are expecting third child together
-
Trump appeals $454 million ruling in New York fraud case
-
Brawl involving Cam Newton another reminder that adults too often ruin youth sports