Several students walked out of Duke University's commencement ceremony, chanting "free Palestine" in protest of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel. The incident, captured in a video posted on social media, showed students in graduation attire, some waving Palestinian flags, leaving the ceremony held at the university's football stadium in North Carolina. Reuters verified the video's date and location.
In addition to the student walkout, the video also depicted other attendees, including someone wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, leaving their seats. Despite some shouting "Jerry! Jerry!" as Seinfeld received an honorary degree, his speech proceeded without significant interruption.
Addressing the controversy, Seinfeld remarked, "A lot of you are thinking, 'I can't believe they invited this guy.' Too late." He then encouraged the audience to use their privilege, citing his own background as a Jewish boy from New York as a privileged position in pursuing a career in comedy.
Seinfeld's support for Israel stems from his visit to the country and his stance following a conflict in Gaza where Hamas, a militant group, was responsible for casualties and abductions. The White House commented on the protests, stating that President Joe Biden welcomes peaceful demonstrations, including those at college commencement ceremonies.
The walkout at Duke University reflects a broader trend of protests on U.S. campuses, with students demanding divestment from companies profiting from conflicts, amnesty for protesters facing disciplinary actions, and other social justice issues. This wave of protests has led some universities, such as Columbia University and the University of Southern California, to cancel or modify their graduation ceremonies.