Representative Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., has demanded that Columbia University provide a list of graduating students from his district so that he can organize a separate commencement ceremony after the Ivy League institution canceled its main ceremony due to ongoing anti-Israel protests.
Columbia University has canceled its university-wide commencement ceremony scheduled for May 15, citing disruptions caused by recent anti-Israel protests. The decision has sparked outrage among some students and elected officials.
Representative Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., penned a letter to Columbia President Minouche Shafik on May 10, expressing his disappointment and requesting a list of graduating students from his district. He intends to organize a separate graduation ceremony for them, calling it "appalling" that Columbia students have been deprived of their commencement celebration.
Columbia officials stated that the cancellation was made after discussions with students and concerns about ensuring their safety and maintaining order on campus amidst the ongoing protests. The demonstrations began nearly three weeks ago and have involved arrests of over 100 individuals.
D'Esposito criticized Columbia's leadership for failing to maintain order and protect students from hate-filled violence. He argued that the university's inability to address the situation has led to the cancellation of the ceremony.
Despite the cancellation, Columbia will hold smaller, school-based graduation ceremonies for each department over the next two weeks. These ceremonies will take place at the university's sports complex, approximately five miles north of the main campus.
The protests at Columbia began as demonstrations against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip and quickly escalated to include broader anti-Israel and anti-Semitic rhetoric. The university has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with many accusing it of being too lenient in addressing the disruptions.
President Shafik has acknowledged the challenges and has met with student representatives to discuss their concerns. She has also ordered the New York City Police Department to intervene and remove encampments set up by protesters.
Shafik expressed her commitment to dialogue and finding solutions to the underlying issues raised by the protests, particularly the balance between free speech and discrimination. She hopes to continue the conversation and use it as an opportunity to promote understanding and foster better outcomes in the Middle East.
The university aims to restore calm and allow students to complete their academic work before honoring their achievements at the smaller graduation ceremonies. President Shafik hopes that the university can continue to foster dialogue and lead the way in finding solutions to global problems, including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
