Challenges Faced by Graduating Students Amid Campus Protests
Amid safety concerns and student protests, the University of Southern California in Los Angeles made the decision to cancel its main commencement ceremony. This move was prompted by the cancellation of the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to security threats, leading to protests on college campuses and numerous arrests.
Schools nationwide are now grappling with the dilemma of whether to adjust or cancel their ceremonies in light of escalating protests. The fear of disruptions looms large, reminiscent of the domino effect triggered by the initial encampment set up by students at Columbia University in New York.
Protests and Commencement Ceremonies
From the University of Michigan to Cornell University, students have erected tents in protest against the Israel-Hamas war and to advocate for divestment from companies doing business with Israel. This activism adds another layer of complexity for graduating college students who have already faced disruptions due to the pandemic.
An encampment Tuesday at the University of Michigan.Katie McTiernan / Anadolu via Getty Images
Henry Sears, a senior at Columbia University, expressed concerns about the potential disruptions to graduation ceremonies, especially given the significance of the event. Meanwhile, Jacob Schmeltz, another Columbia senior, reflected on the impact of the pandemic on his high school experience.
Impact on Commencement Events
Despite the cancellations and disruptions, universities like USC and Columbia are exploring alternative ways to celebrate their graduates. USC officials acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of the main ceremony but promised to organize meaningful and memorable activities for the students.
At Columbia, planning for commencement is underway with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of the campus community. Tejasri Vijayakumar, president of Columbia's student body, remains optimistic about the possibility of a successful graduation event.
Ensuring Peaceful Coexistence
Universities like the University of Michigan and Yale University are emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests and free expression during commencement ceremonies. While acknowledging the right to protest, these institutions are also implementing security measures to prevent disruptions.
Amidst the tensions on campus, students like Sears and Schmeltz have observed growing animosity among their peers. Sears highlighted the challenges faced by Jewish students, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and understanding.
Protesters at Yale on Monday.Samad Hakani / Yale Daily News
Despite the challenges, students are coming together to find meaningful ways to celebrate their achievements amidst difficult circumstances, echoing the resilience shown during the pandemic in 2020.
Daniella Silva is a national reporter for NBC News, focusing on immigration and education.
Former President Moon Urges Yoon Seok-yeol Government to Change Course on Inter-Korean Relations and Korean Peninsula
Former President Moon Jae-in said the situation on the Korean Peninsula has extremely worsened over the past two years and urged the Yoon Seok-yeol government to quickly change its political position on inter-Korean relations and the Korean Peninsula.
In a congratulatory video speech posted yesterday on the 6th anniversary of the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration at the Library of the National Assembly, former President Moon said: “In this general election, the people have reached a consensus that we must overcome the three major crises of democracy, people’s livelihood and peace.” “In accordance with the will of the public in the general election, we must quickly change the direction of inter-Korean relations and policies on the Korean Peninsula from confrontation and conflict to peace and prosperity,” he said.
Former President Moon diagnosed the situation on the Korean Peninsula as “a truly serious crisis situation, with growing concerns that military conflict and war could break out at any time if this continues.”
He went on to underline that “sincere efforts to restore dialogue and peace have disappeared, while provoking and antagonizing each other has only increased the conflict,” and that “even the military agreement of September 19, which was the safety pin for peace in the Korean country”. Peninsula, it was cancelled.”
At the same time, he stressed, “we have difficulty obtaining the cooperation of the international community for peace on the Korean Peninsula due to partial ideological diplomacy,” and added: “At times like these, we must reflect on the meaning of the Panmunjeom Declaration and work together to return to the path of peace”.
Former President Moon also addressed North Korea, saying: “They recently redefined the inter-Korean relationship as a ‘hostile relationship between two countries’ and are even denying the concept of unification and nationhood. He added: “North Korea The North will no longer let him proceed along a path that goes against peace on the Korean Peninsula and joint prosperity between the two Koreas. “I hope not,” he said.
Namibian authorities are furious with some visitors to the ‘Big Daddy’, the country’s largest sand dune. For some tourists, the mountain seemed like the ideal place for a naked photo shoot. The BBC reports this. “This kind of behavior attracts the wrong people.”
Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 4:53 PM
It can get hot in Namibia, but that was not the reason why the three tourists took off their clothes. It has been a trend for several years to pose completely naked in iconic locations, mainly in nature. For example, Big Daddy, the largest sand dune in the country, was the ideal backdrop for a nude photo of some tourists.
Other visitors were less appreciative of the sight and went to a local newspaper. A response from the Namibian authorities quickly followed. “This puts our country in a bad light,” said Kenneth Nependa, vice-chairman of the Namibian Tourism Federation. “These types of images attract the wrong people. Moreover, not only tourists pass here, but also many families.”
“This puts our country in a bad light. We attract the wrong people through these types of images.”
Kenneth Nependa
Vice-Chairman of the Namibian Tourism Federation
Punishable
It is not yet clear who took the footage of the three naked tourists. Romeo Muyunda, the Minister of Tourism, reacts shocked. “This type of behavior is punishable in our country,” the minister said. “Fortunately, we usually attract tourists who know that these things are unacceptable.”
The tourists are said to have already left the country.