Hundreds of Stanford University students walked out of Commencement on Sunday to express support for the Palestinians, capping a tumultuous year on campus that has been rocked by protests related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Video circulating on social media showed a small group of students, many waving headscarves and Palestinian flags, rising from their chairs as Stanford University President Richard Salle addressed the graduating class. Within minutes, hundreds of people were pouring out of the stadium.
The strike was planned by a pro-Palestinian student group, which encouraged students to leave the formal ceremony and attend the “People’s Graduation Ceremony” at another location.
“We invite graduates, friends and family to walk out of Commencement… to show support for divestment and honor Palestine this graduation weekend,” the group wrote on Instagram.
A speaker at the replacement ceremony, standing on a makeshift podium, called the strike “the final act of protest”.
“You made history with your record-breaking sit-ins and your beautiful camp,” the speaker told the resettled crowd. “Today, you graduate with your heads held high.”
The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Stanford University has been rocked this year by protests sparked by students outraged by mounting casualties of innocent Palestinians. This month, campus police arrested 13 pro-Palestinian protesters, Made up of students and alumni, they barricaded themselves inside the Oval Office. University said at that time The students involved were suspended and seniors were told they would not graduate.
Last year, protesters set up large Set up camp On campus, it became the longest sit-in in Stanford history. Administrators banned camping in February “out of concern for student health and safety.” In April, activists set up another camp in the same square.
Times staff writer Jaweed Kaleem contributed to this report.
