Anti-Israel Protesters Burn Diplomas Outside Columbia Graduation

During Columbia University's commencement ceremony, a group of anti-Israel protesters, including students and alumni, disrupted the event by shouting chants such as 'Free Palestine' and booing speakers, including military veterans. In a striking act of defiance, some protesters burned and tore up their diplomas outside the venue, symbolizing their anger over the university's ties to Israel and policies perceived as aligned with the Trump administration. The protests were partly motivated by the detention and deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a former student and activist linked to the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, which called for the demonstrations. Police intervened, extinguishing the fires and making arrests, while the university maintained that the commencement proceeded safely for most attendees. Critics of the protest condemned the diploma burnings as disrespectful, highlighting the significant financial and personal investment involved in earning the degrees. The incident reflects ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding Israel-Palestine issues and free speech rights amidst political pressures.