Staff Reports
At the prestigious Columbia University, where top minds gather to shape the future, one might expect a graduation ceremony full of decorum and celebration. However, recent events proved otherwise, as chaos erupted when the acting president of the university attempted to speak during a diploma ceremony. It was a classic case of protesters seizing the spotlight, drowning out the university president’s words with a cacophony of booing, heckling, and shouting. It left many wondering: is this the pinnacle of higher education, or merely a college-level version of a reality TV show?
Amidst the uproar, students expressed their disapproval by accusing the president of participating in their arrests and using colorful language that would make even the most seasoned sailors blush. The situation turned what should have been a dignified event honoring years of academic toil into an episode of vocal dissent. One can only presume that the protestors felt it more important to make a scene than to respect the solemn moment of graduation. Apparently, the lesson on decorum didn’t make it into their curriculum.
The heart of the protest seemed to revolve around accusations laid against the current administration’s handling of various issues, including a bout of anti-Israel sentiment among students. It appears that a vocal minority, clad in symbolic attire, were determined to disrupt the proceedings and were unwilling to entertain any views but their own. Ironically, this all took place at an institution that prides itself on diversity of thought and inclusivity. But, as it has been said, inclusivity apparently only applies when you agree with the protesters’ viewpoint.
Jessica Swabb, a student in attendance, found the incident particularly disrespectful. She bemoaned the fact that a crowd should not dictate what speech can be heard, especially on such a significant day. One might expect an Ivy League graduate to have learned to listen as well as speak, but evidently, lessons in respecting differing opinions might have been overshadowed by the echoing chants of protests. The irony that an institution dedicated to the free exchange of ideas would host such an event is not lost on those observing this theater from the outside.
It seems Columbia University has become somewhat accustomed to such spectacles, with recent disruptions in their libraries and halls. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of modern academia, one must wonder if they will ultimately pin down a solution that balances free speech with the responsibility that comes with it. In the meantime, students like Jessica, who seem to value the friendships and experiences gained despite the chaos, hold on to memories of their time at Columbia—an experience perhaps made richer, if not pricier, by the very protests that define their alma mater.
