Numerous students from Virginia Commonwealth University chose to exit their graduation ceremony on Saturday, partly in response to the commencement speaker, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and his stance on campus protests. This action coincides with preparations by US educational institutions for potential disruptions during graduation events due to protests regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.


Multiple colleges grappling with protests are conducting graduation ceremonies this weekend. Since mid-April, over 2,000 individuals have been arrested amid these demonstrations.


Social media posts captured VCU students, adorned in graduation attire, departing the venue as Governor Youngkin commenced his address. Criticism had been directed towards the selection of Youngkin as speaker due to his opposition to VCU's proposed racial literacy requirement and his stance against encampments on college campuses.


Videos circulating online depicted VCU protesters chanting slogans such as "disclose, divest - we will not stop, we will not rest." Many of these protests across the US are advocating for universities, many of which possess substantial endowments, to sever financial ties with Israel.


The uproarious applause drowned out Youngkin's speech, according to Sereen Haddad, a second-year VCU student involved in organizing the protest. Haddad mentioned that approximately 150 individuals, including protesting students, marched outside the ceremony.


Earlier arrests occurred at VCU when police disbanded an encampment on April 29, resulting in the apprehension of thirteen individuals, including six students.


Despite the walk-out, Youngkin proceeded with his speech as planned. He later extended congratulations to the graduates on social media, refraining from addressing the protest.


Similar demonstrations unfolded at the University of California Berkeley's commencement, prompting Chancellor Carol Christ to acknowledge the ongoing protests and express her dismay over the division caused by the conflict.


The disruption continued as students waved signs and Palestinian flags, chanting "Free Palestine" during speeches. The university confirmed that the disrupted event proceeded, with protesters leaving voluntarily and no arrests made.


These incidents reflect a broader trend of campus protests against the Gaza conflict, leading to the cancellation of some graduation ceremonies, such as at Columbia University. Several institutions have implemented additional security measures for graduation events, and some speakers have withdrawn or had their speeches canceled due to student pressure.


Encampment clearances by police have occurred at various universities, with differing responses. Arizona State University recently placed its chief of police on administrative leave following complaints regarding the handling of campus protests in April.