The University of California, Los Angeles and other institutions in the state conducted graduation ceremonies on Friday with proceedings largely undisturbed by protests over the war in Gaza. The United States, Israel’s key ally, has seen months of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests ranging from marches in Washington and vigils near the White House to the blocking of bridges and roads near train stations and airports in multiple cities, along with encampments on many college campuses. UCLA commencement ceremonies were “poignant and simply beautiful,” the school said.
UCLA’s commencement celebrations had over 60 events scheduled from Friday to Sunday. The Los Angeles Times reported some graduates wore keffiyehs — traditional black-and-white checkered scarves that have become a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians — at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. The newspaper also said dozens of graduates peacefully walked out of the Luskin ceremony, but that an overall festive atmosphere prevailed for tens of thousands of graduates and visitors.
Commencement ceremonies were also scheduled at UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis and UC Irvine. University protests in recent months have seen occasional violence while police have made arrests on campuses to clear encampments. In early May, a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA was violently attacked by a mob after anti-Israel activists were said to have blocked a prominent pro-Israel activist at the school from entering a campu.
