University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduation overshadowed by protests

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduation goes off with minor interruption

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Inside a packed Kenan Stadium was a sea of Carolina blue as UNC graduates took the stage Saturday at the school’s commencement ceremony to complete a challenging four years.

The graduating class that went through COVID uncertainty, a tragic shooting, and now campus protests made it to this day. “We made it work out and we’re glad, we’re glad we’re graduating we’re finally here, and it’s a big relief,” said UNC senior Dev Patel.

Protests Cause Minor Disruption

Concerns over recent pro-Palestine protests spilled into the Old Well as demonstrators chanted behind people taking pictures and eventually got testy with police. Demonstrators also splattered red paint on the steps of UNC’s South Building.

Inside Kenan Stadium, there was a warning before the start of the ceremony. “Those who do not adhere to these rules will be asked to leave. Anyone who does not leave when asked or does not put down signs that block view will be removed and arrested,” the announcement said.

No major disruptions, but there were some boos for Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts who notably ordered the removal of an encampment a few weeks ago, accompanying police to raise the American flag back on campus after the Palestinian flag was put up.

Keynote Address by NASA Astronaut

NASA astronaut and Tar Heel grad Zena Cardman was in attendance at Saturday’s ceremony and gave the commencement address. In August, Cardman will join NASA’s Space-X Crew-9 mission to head to the international space station.

Graduates Remain Resilient

But in the end, Saturday was about the graduates who say the difficult climate we live in only motivates these Tar Heels to take on the world. “You know the world is always going to have a lot going on in it but at the end of the day I’m grateful that this evening I can focus on graduating,” said graduate Matthew Bunn.