Hundreds of students walked out of Stanford’s commencement ceremony today in support of Palestinians in their war with Israel.
The walkout began as Stanford President Richard Saller was giving remarks to the crowd of students, parents, faculty and others at Stanford Stadium.
The walkout followed months of student protests including two encampments and most recently, on June 5, an occupation the office of the school’s president, which resulted in 13 arrests.
In the wake of the protests, security measures were enforced for the event. Tickets were required to attend the event, only eligible graduates could request guest tickets and guests and graduates were subject to a clear bag policy.
Yesterday’s ceremony was livestreamed and included a procession, the Stanford president’s address, keynote speaker addresses, and degree conferrals. It was open to graduates and invited guests, and from processional start to recession of the stage members lasted approximately two hours.
The featured speaker was Melinda French Gates, the ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. She spoke about philanthrophy and social progress.
A group called Stanford Against Apartheid in Palestine posted on Instagram earlier yesterday calling for students to walk out for a “People’s Commencement.”
The group invited graduates, friends and family “to walk out of the commencement into our alternative ceremony next to the stadium, to show support for divestment and honor Palestine this graduation weekend.”