Abdi Muktar found himself at the southern edge of Ohio Stadium on Sunday afternoon, holding his university degree, experiencing both jubilation and contemplation.
Embarking on his journey at Ohio State University as a freshman in the autumn of 2019, Muktar soon found himself back in his childhood room learning remotely after the COVID-19 outbreak forced students off campus.
Campus news:One individual deceased at Ohio State University commencement following fall from stadium
Returning to a transformed campus the following year, Muktar encountered socially distanced classes, mandatory COVID testing, and fanless football games.
After five years, Muktar expressed gratitude for successfully completing his journey.
“The journey was immensely challenging… I am relieved to have completed it and closed this final chapter,” said Muktar, who specialized in political science.
As one crisis marked Muktar’s college life’s beginning, another conflict framed its end, prompting deeper contemplation. Muktar, a Somali and Muslim individual, donned a keffiyeh stole around his neck “in solidarity with my Muslim peers in Palestine,” he explained.
“I cannot fathom the emotions of the university students in that region,” Muktar expressed. “There is a sense of shame amidst the grandeur of this occasion while thousands of children perish every day. Despite the joy of this moment, it is also tainted.”
Graduation events coincide with pro-Palestine campus demonstrations
Muktar was one of numerous Ohio State graduates visibly showing solidarity for Palestine during the commencement. Many sported traditional black and white keffiyehs, while others carried flags either as stoles or flags waved within the stadium.
While commencement ceremonies unfolded nationwide amidst ongoing campus demonstrations urging ceasefires in Gaza and universities to divest from Israel, several institutions had to navigate protests during their ceremonies.
At Indiana University’s graduation on Saturday, dozens of students staged a walkout in protest, converging on a campus green space where demonstrations had been ongoing. Pro-Palestinian supporters briefly interrupted the University of Michigan’s ceremony. Demonstrators, met by state police, unfurled Palestinian flags in the aisles during the commencement address.
Higher education:Ohio State students, faculty advocate for Gaza and challenge university response to protest
Melissa Shivers, Ohio State’s senior vice president of student life, cautioned attendees in her pre-graduation remarks: “Today is a day to focus on and celebrate our graduates. Disruptions will not be tolerated.”
Ohio State students, however, expressed their solidarity in more subtle ways.
Firas Abdullatif draped a large keffiyeh over his shoulders, visible beneath his new graduation hood. While crossing the commencement stage to receive his doctorate in philosophy, he felt content.
Originally from Gaza, Abdullatif shared that he wore his keffiyeh to represent his heritage and community.
“This is a joyful moment for me, despite the somber events back home,” Abdullatif stated. “I remain hopeful for a brighter future. With this degree, maybe I can contribute to a better tomorrow.”
Serena Khaled also wore a keffiyeh to the graduation, along with a red stole adorned with the Lebanese and Palestinian flags.
“Although I am Lebanese, my allegiance lies with Palestine. This is the best way to demonstrate that support with such a large audience,” she noted.
Khaled, who intends to enroll in medical school at Ohio State in the fall, expressed no qualms about wearing the keffiyeh.
“I am immensely proud to do so,” she affirmed. “I only wish I could offer more tangible assistance.”
Inspirational speaker Christopher Pan: “Global harmony originates from inner tranquility”
As commencement speaker, Christopher Pan, Ohio State graduate and social entrepreneur, subtly touched on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Pan had initially planned to address the Gaza conflict in his speech, according to a draft he shared on social media for feedback. However, on Sunday, Pan refrained from explicitly mentioning Gaza, Israel, or Palestine. Instead, he highlighted the need to “alleviate suffering on both sides” following a series of multicultural events he had organized recently.
“I’ve realized there is profound pain and trauma on both sides. Pain breeds hatred and violence. Individuals in pain inflict pain on others. Healed individuals aid others,” he articulated. “By healing ourselves, we heal the world. Global peace commences with inner peace.”
Pan also guided the audience through two brief musical performances — “What’s Going On?” by the 4 Non Blondes and “This Little Light of Mine” — while expressing his view that Bitcoin is “a widely misunderstood asset class,” drawing groans from attendees (He pledged to provide all present with a free bracelet from his company, MyIntent, “as an apology for discussing Bitcoin.”).
Ohio Stadium fatality shocks graduation attendees
Many present grappled with the reports of an individual’s demise following a fall from Ohio Stadium during the commencement. Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed the fatality but had no further details to share on Sunday afternoon.
The area where the fall occurred was cordoned off with yellow tape, surrounded by concerned officials as witnessed by Dispatch photographer Doral Chenoweth.
“Unbelievable, that’s shocking,” remarked an eyewitness. The witness recounted seeing a sole individual fall as the final graduates passed by and entered the stadium through the tunnel typically used by football players during OSU home games.
Upon exiting the stadium to reunite with their loved ones outside, graduates were met with police tape and law enforcement presence.
Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here.
@sheridan120
Source: www.dispatch.com