BREAKING: Columbia University Cancels University-Wide Commencement Ceremony Following Anti-Israel Campus Chaos

On Monday, Columbia University announced that it would be canceling its university-wide commencement after weeks of campus-wide protests that have forced the school to finish the semester online amid the campus chaos. The cancellation is a major blow to the students, many of whom had their high school graduations canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The school decided to forgo the large commencement event on May 15 and instead opt for smaller ceremonies throughout the week. The university explained that the smaller events broken down by school would be "more meaningful" for students. "Our students emphasized that these smaller-scale, school-based celebrations are most meaningful to them and their families," the university announced in a statement. "They are eager to cross the stage to applause and family pride and hear from their school's invited guest speakers. As a result, we will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly."

The Ivy League school has been the center of nationwide attention in recent weeks after students occupied the Morningside campus with a tent encampment, forcing the school to shut down for students and faculty. The demonstrators then proceeded to occupy Hamilton Hall, forcing the administration to call in the NYPD to clear out the agitators.

"These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. Just as we are focused on making our graduation experience truly special, we continue to solicit student feedback and are looking at the possibility of a festive event on May 15 to take the place of the large, formal ceremony. We are eager to all come together for our graduates and celebrate our fellow Columbians as they, and we, look ahead to the future," the university administration added.

According to a schedule posted by the school, commencement ceremonies will occur from May 10 to May 16 at various times throughout the day. Columbia joins the University of Southern California in cancelling its main commencement ceremony following widespread demonstrations by anti-Israel protestors. 

The cancellation comes after pro-Palestine demonstrators interrupted the graduation ceremony briefly at the University of Michigan on Saturday. Demonstrators were seen waving the Palestinian flag and shouting at the university officials on stage, "Regents, regents, you can't hide! You are funding genocide!" A plane was also seen overhead with the message, "Divest from Israel now! Free Palestine" and "We stand with Israel. Jewish lives matter."

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