Protests Over Israel-Hamas Conflict Force Universities to Cancel Commencements

Two universities have rescinded commencement invitations for United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, citing concerns from students and faculty about the Biden administration's stance on the conflict in the Middle East. The move comes amid widespread protests over the issue.

Columbia University canceled its main commencement ceremony due to concerns raised by anti-Israel protests, highlighting the growing divide on college campuses over the conflict in the Middle East. The move by Columbia follows a similar decision by the University of Vermont, which also canceled Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's commencement speech due to backlash over the Biden administration's support for Israel.

The protests at Columbia and other campuses have been fueled by the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, which has sparked outrage among many students who support the Palestinian cause. The university's decision to cancel the commencement ceremony has been met with mixed reactions, with some students expressing disappointment and others supporting the move to avoid potential disruptions.

Xavier University of Louisiana, a Catholic HBCU, also canceled Thomas-Greenfield's commencement speech after receiving a petition with over 1,700 signatures calling for the university to "end the politicization of our Commencement ceremony." The university said it made the decision to avoid potential disruptions during the ceremony.

A spokesperson for Thomas-Greenfield said she agreed not to attend the ceremonies out of consideration for the vast majority of graduates who wanted a commencement free from disruptions. Thomas-Greenfield had planned to speak on lessons learned in overcoming adversity as a Black woman who grew up in the segregated South and went on to join President Biden's cabinet.

The decision by the universities to cancel these events underscores the deep divisions that exist on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The protests have raised questions about the role of universities in addressing political issues and the extent to which they should accommodate the demands of students who support different viewpoints.

Some students have criticized the universities for giving in to student demands, arguing that it sends the wrong message and undermines academic freedom. Others support the decision, arguing that it is important to respect the concerns of students and create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

The protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict have also sparked concerns about a possible backlash against Jewish students on campuses. Some Jewish students have reported feeling uncomfortable or even harassed in the wake of the protests. Universities have a responsibility to protect all students, regardless of their religious or political beliefs, and to ensure that they feel safe and respected on campus.

The situation at Columbia and other campuses highlights the challenges facing universities in navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape. Universities need to balance their commitment to academic freedom with the need to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. They must also be willing to listen to the concerns of students and faculty, while upholding the principles of free speech and open inquiry.