University of Chicago sees commencement protests as degrees from 4 students withheld – NBC Chicago

Hundreds of University of Chicago students graduated with degrees in hand on Saturday, but that was not the case for the four students who are involved in ongoing disciplinary proceedings following a pro-Palestinian protest on campus.

Dozens of students protesting the war in Gaza have skipped commencement following the university’s decision to withhold degrees from four senior colleagues who allegedly attended a pro-Palestinian camp. The interruption of the rainy two-hour outdoor ceremony was brief, with shouts, boos and calls to “Stop the Genocide”.

“The least I can do is stand out here and say enough is enough,” said graduate Zero Abdelhamit. “UChicago give them their degrees, let them graduate.”

The four students were still able to graduate on Saturday, but they were not awarded their diplomas. The university explained that the camp resulted in several official complaints alleging that students violated university policies, including engaging in disruptive behavior.

A university spokesman said a disciplinary committee has a process for reviewing formal complaints, and degrees can be withheld until cases are resolved. But the students and faculty who demonstrated Saturday weren’t satisfied with that answer, arguing that the university’s move is a violation of free speech.

They rallied not only for the four students, but also for those in Gaza.

“Not just those students, but the millions of students in Gaza, who have had their education cut off and destroyed,” Abdelhamit said.

However, others on campus, including Valeria Frank, believe the rally and camp were hateful to the Jewish community.

“It feels so sad because I feel like it shows anti-Semitism,” said Frank, who is Jewish. “I know they’re fighting for a cause, but they hate us and that’s the main problem.”

Yinam Cohen, Israel’s consul general to the Midwest, told NBC Chicago: “The University of Chicago was right to take a stand against Jew-hatred.”

As of Saturday, it remained unclear when the disciplinary team would reach a resolution.

One protester, who is not affiliated with the university, was arrested during Saturday’s demonstrations, a university spokesman said. According to officials, demonstrators tried to access a closed street and break through a barrier outside the main ceremony around 11am, and “a small number of protesters became violent”.

The University of Chicago released the following statement to NBC Chicago on Saturday:

“The University of Chicago is proud to celebrate its 538th convocation ceremony today, welcoming thousands of graduates and their families to campus. A group of students walked out at the beginning of the ceremony. The program ended without further incident. The University is fundamentally committed to supporting the rights of students to express a wide range of views.

“At approximately 11:00 a.m., in an incident outside the main convocation ceremony, demonstrators at a protest on E 59th Street and S University Ave. they tried to access a closed street and break a barrier erected by the University. A small number of protesters acted violently; one protester, who is not affiliated with the university, was arrested. Looking for battery charges.

“Convocation ceremonies and activities celebrating our graduates continue throughout the day.”