May 05, 2024
AUSTIN (KXAN) – As some universities change their graduation commencement ceremonies – with at least one university going as far as to cancel it –  some at the University of Texas at Austin wonder if something could happen to theirs.  Students and people protesting on U.S. college campuses against Israel’s war in Gaza have college officials worried that further protests could interfere with graduate commencement ceremonies. The University of Southern California canceled last month its commencement ceremony.  Several intense pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which led to dozens of arrests, have some UT Austin graduating seniors concerned about their commencement ceremony this Saturday.  “It's definitely been like a topic of discussion,” said Grayson Drigss, who will be graduating from UT Austin with a degree in petroleum engineering. “I think people are a little nervous, but [trust] the process.” When asked if there was a chance the ceremony could be canceled, a UT spokesperson told KXAN the university is moving full speed ahead with its commencement plans.  Many graduating from UT Austin this spring graduated from high school in spring 2020. Driggs said he was fortunate to have an in-person high school graduation that year, but knows others who were not.  “I think a lot of people are really looking forward to being able to actually walk and have a real graduation this year,” he said. “It's a life achievement, and to miss out on it twice, I think would really suck. I think that does add another level of concern and worry about it getting canceled.” Katelyn Sadd is graduating from UT Austin with a Radio, Television and Film degree. She said she is not concerned the university will cancel the ceremony.  “I've seen other schools cancel [theirs],” Sadd said. “For the people who didn't get [a graduation in 2020], I get that it's kind of upsetting,” she said. “But, I mean, I feel like there are more important things going on in the world.” “I'm just proud of my other students for standing up for what they believe in,” Sadd added.
One Click to Comment and Customize your news.

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service