Tensions flared at Columbia University’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday as protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza overshadowed the celebration, prompting a heavy police presence and several arrests.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the gates of the Upper Manhattan campus and chanted slogans such as “Columbia, you’re a liar, you set Palestine on fire” and “intifada revolution,” while many concealed their identities with keffiyehs. At least one protester was taken into custody, The Times of Israel reported.

Inside the ceremony, some students disrupted the proceedings by shouting “Free Palestine!” during Acting President Claire Shipman’s address.

Others torched their diplomas in symbolic protest, expressing outrage over what they called Israel’s atrocities in its war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Last year, Columbia was forced to cancel its graduation due to similar protests, which saw weeks-long encampments take over the campus.

This year’s ceremony included around 12,000 graduates and drew an estimated 25,000 attendees. Tensions were further heightened by calls for the release of former graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a vocal member of the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March.

He currently faces deportation under orders issued during the Trump administration for alleged ties to Hamas, which he denies.

What Did Columbia’s Acting President Say?

During her speech, Shipman acknowledged the divisive atmosphere and expressed support for student rights. “We firmly believe that our international students have the same right to freedom of speech as everyone else, and they should not be targeted by the government for exercising that right,” she said. Addressing Khalil’s absence, she added, “I know many in our community today are mourning the absence of our graduate, Mahmoud Khalil.”