Harvard University’s commencement ceremony on Thursday turned into a chaotic and disgraceful event as hundreds of anti-Israel protestors crashed the event and walked out in a show of support for the terror group Hamas. The once prestigious Ivy League university was consumed by the support for a group that has been responsible for countless acts of violence and terror against innocent civilians. It was a sad end to the 2023-2024 academic year, which was marred by outrageous displays of support for a terrorist organization.
Videos of the event that were shared on social media showed students in their caps and gowns shouting and storming out of the ceremony, while holding up Palestinian flags. The protesters also chanted “Let them walk!” in reference to 13 Harvard students who were not allowed to receive their diplomas because they set up an encampment on campus. This encampment was used to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, where the Israeli military has been engaged in a necessary fight against terrorism since last fall.
Hundreds of students walked out of Harvard University’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, while masses chanted “Let them walk!”, a reference to 13 student protesters who were not allowed to graduate. https://t.co/CFIpckk0i9 pic.twitter.com/UaGyUuly6I
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 23, 2024
The chaos and disruption caused by these protesters is unacceptable. Instead of celebrating their graduation day, these students chose to use it as a platform to support a terrorist group and spread hate against a democratic and peace-seeking nation. It is disheartening to see that a once prestigious institution like Harvard has become a breeding ground for such despicable behavior.
During her speech at the ceremony, Harvard student Shruthi Kumar accused the school of punishing students for exercising their First Amendment rights. This is a baseless accusation as students are free to express their opinions and beliefs, but violence and disruption have no place in a peaceful graduation ceremony. By walking out and causing a scene, the protesters not only disrespected their fellow graduates, but they also disrespected the institution that provided them with an education and the rights they so freely exercise.
BREAKING: Hundreds of Harvard students and faculty have walked out of commencement in support of Palestine and the 15 seniors having their degrees withheld for protesting a genocide. pic.twitter.com/D0lGKrmzvq
— Harvard Undergraduate PSC (@HarvxrdPSC) May 23, 2024
The protesters also displayed a banner that accused Harvard of funding “genocide.” This is a completely false and absurd claim. Harvard, like many other universities, provides students with various resources and opportunities to engage in peaceful and productive dialogue about important issues, but it does not support or fund any terrorist organization. The fact that these students are misrepresenting and defaming their own university is shameful and reflects poorly on their character and the values they uphold.
CHAOS: Mass walkout by anti-Israel students and professors at Harvard. As is common with this group, they have made everything about themselves and have ruined graduation for everyone else. pic.twitter.com/RrluX4A8Q4
— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) May 23, 2024
This school year at Harvard began with allegations of plagiarism from then-president Claudine Gay, and it is ironic that it ended with a completely different scandal. The school’s reputation has been tarnished by the actions of a few individuals who chose to support violence and hate instead of celebrating their achievements and embracing diversity and inclusivity.
Anti-Israel activists storm Harvard during a commencement ceremony and raise the Palestinian flag over the podium.
Students wore keffiyehs and waved Palestinian flags during their protest.
Not a single American flag can be seen in the crowd. pic.twitter.com/0xYSJw5rQh
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 23, 2024
As the protest was met with applause from some attendees, it is concerning to see that this type of behavior is being encouraged and accepted by some members of the Harvard community.
Good morning from Harvard’s commencement. pic.twitter.com/dMMMZzmsk6
— Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (@HarvardOOP) May 23, 2024
The protest at Harvard’s commencement ceremony was an alarming display of support for terrorism and a disgraceful end to the school year. The disruption and chaos caused by these protesters should not be tolerated, and it is imperative that the university takes appropriate action to address this issue. The protesters do not represent the values and beliefs of the majority of the Harvard community, and it is important to stand against such hateful and harmful ideologies.