All articles tagged with #commencement
Harvard's commencement ceremony is overshadowed by fears and uncertainty due to ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration over international student policies and funding, reflecting broader tensions between the university's resistance to government pressures and the political climate affecting students and faculty.
Hundreds of Harvard students walked out of their commencement ceremony in protest after 13 students were barred from receiving their diplomas due to disciplinary actions related to pro-Palestinian activism. The protest aimed to highlight issues of free speech and civil rights, with many participants wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags. The university's decision, which overruled faculty recommendations, has sparked significant controversy and debate about political pressure and fairness in disciplinary actions.
Harvard student speaker Shruthi Kumar went off-script during her commencement address to criticize the university for punishing 13 students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, highlighting issues of free speech and civil disobedience. Her remarks received a standing ovation and were part of a broader wave of protests at the ceremony.
Over 1,000 people walked out of Harvard's 373rd Commencement ceremony to protest the university's decision to deny degrees to 13 seniors involved in a pro-Palestine encampment. The protest, which included chants and Palestinian flags, continued throughout the ceremony, with some students and faculty holding a separate "People's Commencement" to honor the barred students. Despite the disruptions, the official ceremony proceeded as planned, with speeches from various dignitaries and the conferral of degrees to the remaining graduates.
Hundreds of Harvard students walked out of the university's commencement ceremony in protest after 13 seniors were barred from graduating due to their involvement in campus demonstrations over the Gaza conflict. The decision by the Harvard Corporation sparked significant unrest, with chants of "Let them walk!" and criticism from student speakers. The university's interim president, Alan Garber, acknowledged the turmoil and asked for a minute of silence to reflect on global suffering.
USC has canceled appearances from director Jon M. Chu and other honorees at its commencement following the controversy over the cancellation of valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech due to security concerns. The university cited the "highly publicized circumstances" as the reason for releasing outside speakers and honorees from attending the ceremony, and expressed hope to confer honorary degrees at a future event. Tabassum, whose speech was canceled over pro-Palestinian views, criticized the university for not sharing details about security concerns and not offering an alternative method for her participation.
The University of Southern California has canceled its pro-Palestinian valedictorian's commencement speech due to safety concerns, citing fears of threats. USC Provost Andrew Guzman emphasized the decision was made to prioritize campus security and minimize danger, not to restrict freedom of speech. The student, Asna Tabassum, and Muslim advocacy groups view the decision as silencing her, while calling on the university to reverse it. The decision comes amid heightened tensions on college campuses related to the conflict in the Middle East, with concerns about security and disruption at commencement.
USC has banned a pro-Palestinian valedictorian from speaking at the May commencement ceremony due to safety concerns, marking the first time the university has taken such action. The decision has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the university's reasoning and calling for the reversal of the ban. The valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, has been at the center of a debate involving her views on the Middle East conflict, leading to accusations of antisemitism and a campaign to prevent her from speaking. The university's provost cited the escalating tensions and risks at other campuses as factors in the decision, while students express mixed reactions to the controversy.
Tennis legend Roger Federer will address the Class of 2024 and receive an honorary doctorate at Dartmouth's Commencement on June 9. Federer, known for his record-breaking career and philanthropic efforts, founded the Roger Federer Foundation, which has invested over $96 million in educational initiatives for children in need. His upcoming speech at Dartmouth's Commencement has generated excitement, and he expressed his honor in being chosen as the speaker.
Students at New College of Florida have raised over $129,000 on GoFundMe to host an alternate commencement celebration in protest of what they've called a "hostile takeover" of the school by a conservative majority appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The official ceremony hosted by the school will be held Friday, with Dr. Scott Atlas, who served as a White House Covid adviser under then-President Donald Trump, set to deliver the commencement address.
President Joe Biden delivered a commencement speech at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. He praised the graduates for their resilience during the pandemic and emphasized the importance of voting rights and democracy. Biden also announced plans to invest in historically Black colleges and universities and increase funding for Pell Grants.
UNC Asheville held its spring 2023 commencement ceremony, where over 400 students received their degrees.