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Universities take steps to prevent pro-Palestinian protest disruptions of graduation ceremonies

Dozens of tents were in place as part of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The school said staff and volunteers have been trained to manage any disruptions that might occur at graduation at Michigan Stadium on May 4. (AP Photo/Ed White)
Dozens of tents were in place as part of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The school said staff and volunteers have been trained to manage any disruptions that might occur at graduation at Michigan Stadium on May 4. (AP Photo/Ed White) Dozens of tents were in place as part of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The school said staff and volunteers have been trained to manage any disruptions that might occur at graduation at Michigan Stadium on May 4. (AP Photo/Ed White)

By ED WHITE and ISABELLA VOLMERT / Associated Press 5 min read

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — With student protests over the Israel-Hamas war disrupting campuses nationwide, several major universities are intent on ensuring that commencement ceremonies — joyous milestones for graduates, their families and friends — go off without a hitch this weekend.

It won’t be easy. Colleges are hiring extra security, screening attendees at venues and emphasizing that significant disruptions by pro-Palestinian protesters won’t be tolerated. At the same time, they’re pledging to honor free-speech rights by designating protest zones.

“Milestone is a perfect word,” said Ken Burdick of Tampa, Florida, describing his daughter’s graduation Saturday at the University of Michigan. He hopes the big day goes untarnished.

“People can exercise their First Amendment rights without disrupting or creating fear,” Burdick said of protesters.

Students booed and yelled “free Palestine” while the University of Utah president spoke Thursday night at commencement. Taylor Randall paused his speech to ask those who were protesting to leave or be removed. Outside the ceremony in Salt Lake City, a group of about 50 people were rallying. There was one arrest.