Walking across the convocation stage, some student’s opted not to shake Principal Patrick Deane’s hand this year.
Pro-Palestinian protesters demanded Queen’s divestment from companies with ties to Israel stood in front of Ontario Hall, a popular photo spot for graduating students. Protestors also gathered outside the Slush Puppie Place where the class of 2024 was set to walk the stage and receive their diplomas between June 18 to 24.
During convocation, some graduating students held up signs claiming Queen’s was investing in genocide and opted not to shake Principal Deane or Provost Matthew Evans hands. Others wore keffiyehs around their necks.
One student laid down on the stage in front of Queen’s senior istration after shaking their hands with red paint during the June 20 ceremony.
The protests were met with mixed reaction from students. Hanna Pringle, ArtSci ’24, stands in solidarity with protesting students. Pringle appreciates the community she’s formed during her time at Queen’s but knows Palestinian students can’t say the same.
“There are no remaining universities in Gaza, so although we can celebrate graduation here, Palestinian communities don’t have that same luxury,” Pringle said in a statement to The Journal.
For Pringle, Queen’s staff and faculty who the Palestinian cause are the reason she’s returning to Queen’s in the fall for her Master’s program.
Other students, including Kiana Brown, HealthSci ’24, believe convocation isn’t an appropriate time to express opinions on “sensitive subjects.” She described the protests as misguided and disruptive.
“This was disheartening to witness, as graduation should be a time to celebrate academic achievements, not a platform for political protest,” Brown said in a statement to The Journal.
Brown disagreed with the protests in the comments of an Instagram post by Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) on June 17. The post encouraged students to show solidarity with Palestinian people by wearing keffiyehs or handing a pin or Palestinian flag to Patrick Deane instead of shaking his hand.
Brown acknowledges both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered because of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and continues to advocate for peace.
“I remain committed to advocating for a balanced understanding of the conflict, reorganizing the legitimate concerns and aspirations of both sides,” Brown said.
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