A Columbia University student, wearing zip-tie handcuffs, defiantly tore up her diploma on stage during the School of Social Work commencement ceremony. The act was seen as a protest following concerns about recent anti-Israel demonstrations on campus.
In a livestreamed video, the graduate walked on stage with her arms raised above her head, wrists bound by a plastic zip-tie. She wore a keffiyeh, a traditional Arab garment, draped over her shoulders on top of her light blue graduation robe.
After receiving her diploma, the graduate turned to the audience and ripped it into several pieces. The zip-ties made the process challenging, and she eventually threw the torn paper onto the floor. She then removed her graduation cap, revealing a message taped inside, though it was not discernible on camera. Other graduates in the program coordinated, wearing various Arabic garments and zip-ties to symbolize Palestinian war prisoners.
One graduate had the name of Hamas leader Mazen Jamal Al-Natsheh written on her cap. Two others received applause for displaying a handmade "Free Palestine" sign.
A Columbia spokesperson noted that despite the cancellation of the main commencement ceremony due to security concerns arising from anti-Israel riots, many graduates and their families had already celebrated at Class Day ceremonies without disruption. The spokesperson expressed excitement for the remaining graduates as they celebrate their achievements.
The university official cited security concerns in the wake of recent anti-Israel protests as one of the main reasons for canceling the larger event. Columbia University has faced a series of antisemitic protests resulting in over 100 arrests.