This past Sunday at 10:45 a.m., George Washington University students were on their way to graduate at the Washington monument.
But some were concerned their graduation would be interrupted by Gaza protests, even though the university had prohibited some items and designated a spot near the ceremony where protesters could exercise their First Amendment rights.
The graduation started peacefully. But as it progressed, students started holding up painted signs and chanting in support of Palestine, interrupting University President Ellen Granberg’s speech. Hundreds of students ended up walking out during the speech.
Despite the protests, graduates still celebrated — a particularly poignant milestone since most of them had no high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.