Graduation Ceremony at Duke University Witnessed Pro-Palestinian Protest

 Graduation Ceremony at Duke University Witnessed Pro-Palestinian Protest

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Commencement ceremonies are meant to celebrate the achievements of graduating students. However, Duke University's ceremony on Sunday took an unexpected turn when a group of pro-Palestinian students staged a walkout in protest of the guest speaker, comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Seinfeld, a vocal supporter of Israel, received an honorary degree. Social media footage captured graduates in their robes and caps leaving the stadium, chanting "Free Palestine" and waving Palestinian flags. This act of protest reflected their disagreement with Seinfeld's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


It wasn't a unanimous response though. Many students remained to listen to Seinfeld's speech, even offering cheers of support. The ceremony wasn't entirely disrupted; videos showed cheers for Seinfeld intermingling with the boos and chants from the departing students.

The source of the tension lies in Seinfeld's public backing of Israel's actions during the conflict with Hamas. This history clashed with the views of the protesting students, who presumably sought to advocate for Palestinian rights.


Seinfeld, aware of the potential controversy, acknowledged the situation with a touch of humor in his acceptance speech. He joked about the audience's surprise at his selection, adding a pledge to "defend" the concept of privilege, a topic likely unrelated to the protest.

Despite the walkout, Seinfeld reportedly delivered his speech without further interruption. The event highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even spilling over into seemingly unrelated celebratory occasions.


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