Colleges Withhold Degrees Over Pro-Palestinian Protests
CHICAGO – Graduation is a pivotal moment for many Americans, marking the culmination of years of academic effort. Yet, for some college students, their participation in pro-Palestinian protests has resulted in their degrees being withheld.
Youssef Hasweh, a political science student at the University of Chicago, is among those affected. “Four years and just a criminal record, nothing else,” Hasweh said, reflecting on the situation that has left him and three others awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary investigation. Their degrees are currently on hold due to their involvement in a protest encampment.
Students facing such penalties are in a state of limbo, dealing with arrests, expulsions, suspensions, and other disciplinary actions. Despite the uncertain future and potential debt without a degree, they remain steadfast in their stance. “I don’t regret it, and I don’t think I ever will,” said Devron Burks, a Vanderbilt student expelled after a campus building occupation.
‘We’ll be Degreeless and Jobless’
Hasweh’s degree was put on hold just before graduation. An email from Associate Dean Jeremy W. Inabinet cited disruptive conduct related to a quad encampment as the reason. Hasweh, who has family in the West Bank, suspects his involvement in a previous pro-Palestinian sit-in, which led to arrests and a prolonged school investigation, influenced the decision.
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“I recently received multiple complaints regarding the quad encampment that report issues related to disruptive conduct,” Inabinet’s email stated. “Your degree will not be conferred until the resolution of this matter occurs.”
The university has not provided specific details about the arrests but mentioned that degree conferment depends on the resolution of disciplinary proceedings.
Vanderbilt Student Loses Job Offer
Burks, expelled from Vanderbilt, faces the daunting prospect of significant debt without a degree. Burks was involved in a building occupation and was arrested along with others. Following their expulsion, Burks has struggled with housing instability and job loss. A job offer was rescinded due to the lack of degree conferral.
“This has been the most stressful time,” Burks said. “Without my degree conferral, I can’t move on with my life.”
Harvard Students’ Degrees Delayed
At Harvard, several students involved in pro-Palestinian protests have had their graduations delayed. Syd Sanders, one such student, may not receive his degree until 2026. Sanders believes the university’s actions aim to discourage protest participation.
“It’s insane,” Sanders said. “This was really sneaky of the school, and I think it reveals where they stand on free speech.”
Harvard has not commented on specific disciplinary matters.
Princeton Investigates Protestors
Princeton University is withholding the degrees of two seniors pending the outcome of an investigation into a protest at an alumni event. Khari Franklin, who did not participate in the demonstration but was previously arrested, is among those affected. The university stated that degree conferral depends on the resolution of disciplinary violations.
Ongoing Disciplinary Actions
At several institutions, the threat of disciplinary actions looms. Columbia University has issued interim suspensions to over 30 students, and Barnard College students involved in protests have also faced suspensions.
In Florida, New College students who disrupted commencement with chants of “free Palestine” may have their degrees withheld. The college emphasized the need for civil discourse and condemned disruptive activities.
‘I’d Do It a Thousand Times Over’
For Hasweh and others, the battle is far from over. Despite the obstacles, they remain committed to their cause. “How can a mother not be enraged that a school meant to take care of her child was the one that brutalized him,” Hasweh said.
As these students navigate the challenges posed by their activism, they stand by their actions, determined to advocate for what they believe is right, regardless of the personal cost.