Pro-Palestinian Protesters Disrupt University of Michigan Graduation Ceremony, Calls for Divestment from Israel

On May 4, 2024, the University of Michigan's Spring Commencement ceremony at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor was briefly interrupted by dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters. The demonstration took place amidst a backdrop of ongoing protests at higher education institutions across the country in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

As the ceremony commenced, demonstrators wearing kaffiyeh and graduation caps unfurled Palestinian flags and posters as they made their way through the aisles. Chanting "Regents, regents, you can't hide! You are funding genocide!", the protesters attempted to march towards the stage, but were prevented by campus police. Additionally, banners with messages such as "Divest from Israel now! Free Palestine" and "We stand with Israel. Jewish lives matter" were displayed by planes flying over the stadium.

Security Measures

Prior to the commencement ceremony, the University of Michigan had escalated its security measures, including implementing ticket requirements for the majority of events. Furthermore, the university had increased screening and removed banners and flags as part of their security preparations.

Laurie McCauley, the chief academic officer at the University of Michigan, emphasized the school's commitment to upholding free expression while asserting that no one is entitled to disrupt university activities. The university had permitted protesters to establish an encampment on campus, but police intervened to disperse a large gathering the night before the commencement ceremony, resulting in one arrest.

Nationwide Impact

The demonstrations at the University of Michigan were part of a larger trend of protests at colleges and universities across the country, with some institutions experiencing disruptions to final exams and graduation ceremonies. Several universities, including Brown, Northwestern, and Rutgers, had entered into agreements with protesters to address their concerns regarding investments in Israel. These agreements signified a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding divestment from Israel, a topic that has historically sparked controversy and debate.

At other institutions, such as New York University, The New School, State University of New York at New Paltz, and the University of Tennessee, arrests were made as police intervened to dismantle encampments and disperse protesters. The movement originated at Columbia University, where student protesters established an encampment to call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.