Protests in support of Palestine have continued at several universities this weekend, as students seek to make a statement during their graduation ceremonies.
Students at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill protested outside campus buildings, splashing red paint on the steps of one building, according to the News and Observer. the News and Observer reported.
“Today is UNC’s graduation commencement and students have established an encampment at the famous bell tower, where many graduates will want to take their graduation photos,” National Students for Justice in Palestine posted online.
After the chancellor’s commencement address ended, students walked up the center aisle carrying two Palestinian flags. They were met with boos and people chanting “USA!” The individuals were escorted away by police, the outlet reported.
Students demonstrating at the North Carolina university clashed last week, when counter protesters displayed an American flag on campus while activists threw items at them after attempting to replace it with a Palestinian flag.
The scene resonated with people across the country, and a GoFundMe was set up to throw the fraternity men “a Rager.” It raised over $500,000.
In Wisconsin, a small group of students silently protested the war. Around 20 students stood and turned their backs during University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin's address, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
Other students displayed messages such as “There are no universities in Gaza” and “Free Palestine.” A group of students carrying a Palestinian flag were escorted by police out of the arena.
In Virginia, approximately 100 graduates at Virginia Commonwealth University walked out of their ceremony to protest an address given by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. They were protesting the ongoing war and Youngkin’s ideologies.
The commencement protests follow weeks of demonstrations at more than 400 universities across the country. From the Ivy Leagues to small colleges, students are demanding that their school’s divest from Israeli companies or companies that have ties with Israel.
More than 2,000 arrests have been made, as universities grapple with how to balance free speech and disruptions on campus.
