The Focus of Graduation 2024 Will Be on the Conflict Between Israel and Gaza
This week’s University of Southern California valedictorian speech controversy, where university officials canceled their anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian speaker due to security concerns, is more than a mere news item. It’s a foreshadowing of things to come as parents and loved ones prepare for the chaotic, loud, and nasty commencement season.
No space is too sacred, no event too significant for pro-Palestinian “river to the sea” chanters to co-opt for their cause. Witness worshippers harassed leaving synagogues, city council and board of ed meetings ambushed, and rush-hour traffic brought to a standstill. They are eagerly anticipating the chaos.
Here’s a glimpse of what that will look like: in late March, the University of Michigan abruptly ended its Honors Convocation after protestors interrupted the proceedings with shrieks, chants, and banners demanding the university divest from Israel. They shouted down university president Santa Ono midway through his remarks, forcing him to retreat from the stage. The school scrapped the rest of the program and asked parents to leave. One father captured the mayhem on Instagram, expressing his shock at being asked to leave an honors ceremony.
The University of Michigan’s lack of response highlights higher education’s often feckless appeasement strategy, which usually ends up benefiting the agitators at the expense of others.
In a saner world, everyone should be able to enjoy commencement ceremonies without fear and harassment. However, the current situation is far from sane. This issue does not only affect Jews; it impacts the entire community of families who have made significant sacrifices to support their children’s education.
And what about the one-quarter of graduates who are “first gens”—the first in their families to graduate? Graduation ceremony disruptions will not bring peace in the Middle East but will undoubtedly ruin moments of hard-earned pride.
The reckoning was imminent. Before Oct. 7, these institutions were champions of wokeism, but the conflict in Gaza has sparked a dangerous, uncivil, and intolerant response. In March, police had to escort Jewish students from an event at UC Berkeley after pro-Palestinian militants shattered the building’s glass doors.
The conflict over Israel has led to troubling behavior on campus. Jewish students face antisemitism at an alarming rate, with many colleges and high schools now under federal investigation for civil rights violations.
It is unrealistic to rely on these institutions to ensure graduation ceremonies proceed smoothly amidst turmoil.
The feeling of fear and the desire to protect your child can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Communicate with your school’s dean or principal to express concerns and demand transparency regarding scheduled speakers and protest contingency plans.
Show up prepared and ready to stand up against hate. Bring a sign of support and remember that your courage in the face of adversity will leave a lasting impact on your child’s memories of the event.
Archie Gottesman is the co-founder of JewBelong, a national nonprofit that makes Judaism more accessible and fights antisemitism.
