Amid a sea of caps and gowns, it was impossible to ignore the hundreds of Palestinian flags on display Sunday at the Portland State University’s Professional Schools graduation ceremony held at the Moda Center.
Similar to commencement ceremonies across the country, some students took the opportunity to once again protest the war in Gaza, specifically the university’s involvement with companies that have ties to Israel.
As PSU President Ann Cudd began her speech, dozens of students stood up and more than 10 of them left the ceremony, Palestinian flags waving in the air. Some draped themselves in flags or keffiyehs, a traditional Palestinian scarf, as they made their way out of the stadium.
Students turn their back to Portland State University President Ann Cudd during the university's 2024 commencement ceremony. The protests follow a weekslong demonstration, demanding the university divest from companies that support Israel.
Joni Land / OPB
Other students wore graduation scarves or caps decorated with the flag and slogans of protest. One student, as they walked off the stage with their degree, placed their hand in front of a camera bearing the statement: “PSU Profits From Genocide.”
It was an awkward moment for Cudd, who was participating in her first commencement as head of the university. With boos raining down from the student body, she attempted to continue with her speech, referencing the protests that have dominated discussion around the university for the past few months.
“I don’t think it will be news to anyone when I tell you that my first year has been full of challenges,” Cudd told the audience.
The demonstrations follow a tumultuous semester for the university, during which protesters occupied and barricaded themselves in the Branford Price Millar Library. The Portland Police Bureau arrested more than 30 people during the protests.
“Activism as a proud tradition here at Portland State. Free speech is a core tenet of higher education and a civil democratic society,” Cudd said. “Sometimes protected speech can lead to strife, but I am confident in the strength of our PSU community to come together in productive dialogue.”
Dozens of similar demonstrations took place on college campuses across the country, part of nationwide movement demanding that universities divest money in companies with ties to the Israeli government.
Related: PSU President Ann Cudd on campus protests and free speech
In particular, students had demanded the university stop receiving donations from aircraft manufacturer Boeing due to the war. Cudd told OPB in April that Boeing had donated approximately $1 million in philanthropic gifts to PSU over the past two decades.
The university has since paused its relationship with Boeing.
In some cases, university officials have disciplined students for demonstrations held on campus. A spokesperson from Portland State said there had been no discussions Sunday afternoon about disciplining students for protesting during the graduation ceremony.
Related: Portland State University pauses connections to Boeing
Students of Portland State University wave Palestinian flags during the university's 2024 commencement ceremony at the Moda Center on June 16, 2024.
Joni Land / OPB