Dozens of students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Harvard say they are being punished for speaking out against the war in Gaza. Now a handful of them won’t get to graduate this week even after agreeing to clear the encampment.
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Protests shut down Harvard Square Sunday, as Harvard University students said they felt the school reneged on its agreement to not punish students for the 20-day encampment in Harvard Yard.
"These students are standing in solidarity with the students in Gaza. And with that they are being suspended, they are being threatened," said Harvard senior Hanan Wuhush.
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Last week, Alan Garber, interim president, had said he would encourage the disciplinary boards to take into consideration the student protesters' voluntary decision to leave the encampment.
But according to the Harvard Crimson, at least five students have been suspended, more than 20 are now facing probation and 14 seniors will not be allowed to graduate.
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"It's not about just not getting a degree, it's more than that. It's why these students are getting suspended. The question is why," said Wuhush.
With just days to go until commencement, parents of graduating seniors are concerned these demonstrations could spill over to the ceremony.
"We've been waiting four years for this and this class, didn't get their high school graduation, so this is not fair for them to do that," said a woman named Roussana, whose son is graduating from Harvard.
Some graduating seniors are a bit more pragmatic about the prospect of protests at commencement.
One graduate said, "I don't know. I mean, it's a possibility."
Another graduate added, "But even if they do, I'm not too concerned about like any — I respect their rights."
"It’s important that we just stay peaceful and stay calm and take this as an opportunity to celebrate and gather with our loved ones," Ariel Zao, who is graduating with her masters, said.
The first graduate interjected, "I remember at Yale, there are disruptions at any events so…yeah, it's OK, the students are free to express their opinions."
Harvard's commencement is scheduled for Thursday, and student protestors have told the university to expect disruptions.
