Columbia University has canceled its main commencement ceremony following weeks of pro-Palestinian protests that have shaken college campuses across the United States.

New York

Columbia University announced the cancellation of its main commencement ceremony, amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests that have significantly impacted college campuses throughout the United States. The university's decision follows recent heated demonstrations over the conflict in Gaza, leading to heightened security measures and the arrest of dozens of protesters by New York City police. In light of these events, access to the university's Manhattan campus has been restricted.

The university is adapting to the circumstances by organizing smaller celebrations for graduates from its individual schools, emphasizing the importance of safety, respect, and smooth operation of these events. The protests at Columbia have echoed a broader unrest across U.S. campuses, reflecting the widespread impact of the issue. Notably, Columbia University is not the only institution to take such a step; the University of Southern California has also canceled its commencement due to similar reasons.



Columbia cancels commencement amid pro-Palestinian protests

You do want to start with a little bit of breaking news on this Monday morning out of New York. Just learned, minutes ago, that Columbia University is now cancelling its commencement ceremony after weeks of campus protests there over the ongoing war in Gaza. That decision comes less than a week after police stormed a building occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters. Dozens were arrested. New York City police have largely cut off access to that campus in Manhattan. Columbia says it will hold smaller celebrations of graduates from individual schools within the university. The focus will be on keeping these events, quote, safe, respectful, and running smoothly, end quote. Protests there in Columbia stirred widespread unrest on campuses all across the U.S. Columbia is now the second major school to cancel commencement. Also making the similar move, University of Southern California.

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