Columbia has cancelled its university-wide graduation ceremony this month for “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations,” after weeks of pro-Palestine protests on campus.
“Our college students emphasised that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most significant to them and their households,” the college stated Monday. “
They’re desirous to cross the stage to applause and household satisfaction and listen to from their college’s invited visitor audio system. Because of this, we are going to focus our sources on these college ceremonies and on conserving them secure, respectful, and working easily.”
The college got here to the choice after discussions with scholar leaders. Safety causes had been famous as the primary cause behind the choice, a college official instructed NBC Information.
The graduating class will now be honoured individually alongside their friends, relatively that the university-wide ceremony that was scheduled for 15 Might.
The vast majority of ‘Class Days’ and college ceremonies will probably be hosted at Columbia’s Baker Athletics Advanced relatively than the South Garden of the Morningside campus the place they had been initially scheduled to happen, however the timings will stay the identical, the college stated.
The officers added that they’re taking a look at the potential of internet hosting a “festive occasion” on 15 Might to take the place of the massive, formal ceremony.
“These previous few weeks have been extremely tough for our neighborhood,” the college wrote. “We’re desirous to all come collectively for our graduates and have fun our fellow Columbians as they, and we, look forward to the long run. We’ll share extra within the coming days.”