Protesters Mar University of Michigan Graduation, Disrupting Speakers with Anti-Israel Slogans
Ann Arbor, MI – On a day that was supposed to celebrate academic achievements, University of Michigan’s commencement ceremony on Saturday was marred by anti-Israel protesters who voiced antisemitic chants and attempted to disrupt the proceedings. The event, held at Michigan Stadium, turned chaotic when a group of around 50 demonstrators marched towards the stage waving Palestinian flags and chanting hostile slogans.
Disruption and Disrespect
The demonstrators, who were greeted with a chorus of disapproval from the thousands in attendance, disrupted the address of U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who was speaking to newly commissioned officers. Benny Shaevsky, a recent graduate of the university’s Ross School of Business, expressed his dismay at the protesters’ actions.
“They were screaming the whole time. I couldn’t hear anything. I had to move to a different seat because I missed half of the commencement speakers because of this.”
— Benny Shaevsky, University of Michigan Graduate
Law Enforcement Intervention
Law enforcement officers present at the event confronted the protesters and moved them to the back of the stadium, where they remained for the rest of the ceremony. Despite the university’s policy prohibiting obstructions of sightlines, Shaevsky said he witnessed no arrests.
Free Speech Concerns
The university, which has previously experienced anti-Israel protests and campus unrest, emphasized its respect for free speech while acknowledging the need to maintain order and decorum during official events.
“We will take steps to de-escalate and address any interruptions to the ceremony in a manner that protects the safety and rights of all members of our community.”
— University of Michigan Statement
A Personal Experience
For Shaevsky, whose lifelong dream was to graduate from Michigan, the disruption was an emotional experience. As a passionate supporter of the university’s football team, he was deeply saddened by the event’s disruption.
“This was my biggest fear for the last several months. To see it being disrupted in the way that I feared was emotional.”
— Benny Shaevsky
Calls for Enforcement
While expressing his belief in the protesters’ right to free speech, Shaevsky urged the university to take a stronger stance against chaotic and disruptive behavior on campus.
“I believe in free speech for these people even though I vehemently disagree with what they’re saying, but there’s a time, a place, and manner to do that. Today would have been outside of the stadium in designated protest areas.”
— Benny Shaevsky
Ongoing Tensions
The University of Michigan’s anti-Israel protests are part of a wider trend on campuses across the country, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The university’s efforts to balance free speech rights with the maintenance of order will continue to be tested in the future.
