Harvard University held its Commencement ceremony on Thursday, marking the end of a tense year on campus. The university made headlines recently when the Harvard Corporation decided not to award degrees to 13 seniors who had participated in a pro-Palestinian encampment in Harvard Yard. Despite this controversy, the atmosphere during the commencement remained celebratory as students and faculty gathered early in the morning, and the formal ceremonies began at 9:30 a.m.
This year’s commencement speaker was Maria Ressa, a Nobel Prize-winning journalist. However, the focus was not solely on the commencement itself but also on the Harvard Corporation’s decision regarding the 13 seniors involved in the pro-Palestinian encampment. The Harvard Corporation, which serves as Harvard’s governing body, overruled a vote from faculty members who had recommended degrees for these students. In a statement, the corporation explained that the faculty vote did not revisit the disciplinary rulings or restore the students to good standing.
The pro-Palestinian encampment at Harvard was part of a larger wave of demonstrations that took place on campuses across the country, starting in April. Student demonstrators called on university and college officials to divest from companies doing business with Israel. While the encampment at Harvard did not result in clashes like those seen at other campuses, university officials were critical of the demonstration and repeatedly warned of consequences for the participants.
The encampment voluntarily ended on May 14th, and protest organizers claimed that the university had promised leniency for the students facing disciplinary action. However, with commencement approaching quickly, tensions rose as the Harvard Corporation made its decision to reject the faculties’ recommendation to award degrees to these students. The corporation acknowledged the significance of not being able to graduate for both students and their families and expressed support for the faculty’s plan to expedite the review of student disciplinary cases.
The events surrounding the pro-Palestinian encampment and its aftermath are part of a larger pattern of tension within the Harvard community. This year has seen protests, criticism, and concerns raised about discrimination and hate following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October. In January, Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned amid allegations of plagiarism and backlash over her testimony on antisemitism. The university is currently led by Interim President Alan Garber as they search for a permanent replacement.
In conclusion, Harvard’s Commencement ceremony proceeded amidst controversy surrounding the decision not to award degrees to 13 seniors who participated in a pro-Palestinian encampment. While the events leading up to commencement have been tense, the focus remained on celebrating the achievements of the graduating students. The Harvard Corporation’s decision and the broader issues of discrimination and hate on campus serve as a reminder of the challenges universities face in maintaining a balance between free expression and disciplinary actions.
