- By Brandon Drenon
- BBC News
In January 2020, they were about to graduate high school. Their graduation was on the horizon. However, a deadly pandemic hit.
By mid-March, the Covid pandemic disrupted daily life, forcing many students to spend their last months of school at home. Proms were cancelled.
Four years later, these same students are now in college ready to graduate. Again, they encounter a similar disruption of what should be a celebratory moment.
Protests supporting Palestine have broken out at over 130 college campuses in the US, urging their universities to sever ties with companies associated with Israel.
They have established large encampments in university grounds and ignored numerous warnings to disperse, leading to police interventions and over 2,000 arrests.
Three senior students share how they are coping with this turbulent conclusion to their academic journeys – for the second time.
‘Recalling Students Detained by Police as my Last Memories’
Madison Morris, 22, University of Texas
When the state troopers arrived, it coincided with my final exam day. As I reached the campus, they were already present, closing in on students.
The atmosphere was tense. I had never been in such proximity to numerous police officers before. It was frightening.
I found it hard to concentrate on my exam later that day – my mind was preoccupied. I likely did not perform as well on the exam as I had hoped.
The day I witnessed protesters – my peers – peacefully gathered on the main lawn, being dragged away and apprehended by police, marked my last day of classes.
These incidents will remain etched in my memory indefinitely. They will comprise the thoughts of my final moments in university.
It is currently difficult to feel joyful amidst the turmoil prevailing. Celebrating my achievements feels almost impossible as I am engulfed by overwhelming emotions.
Graduation is imminent. For the past four years, I had eagerly anticipated it, having missed out on a genuine one in high school. Due to Covid, we had to adhere to mask-wearing and social distancing. It was not the traditional experience.
I was hopeful for a conventional graduation this year. I had endeavored to make the most of my senior year, taking in every moment, yet it is challenging with current events unfolding. Similar to Covid, it all seems distressingly dystopian.
‘Possibly Unable to Participate in Graduation Ceremony’
Craig Birckhead-Morton, 21, Yale University
I was among the 48 students arrested on April 22. I woke up in the encampment at 6:30 to alerts from our safety marshals about police surrounding us. They instructed us to prepare for arrest. I attended class on the same day. It has been an extremely stressful time – an elevated level of anxiety.
I have two pending papers due. An Arabic project is also pending. I am behind schedule due to the current circumstances.
Senior year holds immense significance, especially concerning my family. They are eager for me to graduate. It has been a major worry of mine.
The university’s response is still pending. In many ways, this uncertainty is more unnerving than the legal charges themselves.
We may not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Our diplomas and final transcripts may not be issued. Personally, the transcript is essential. It is necessary for my admission to the master’s program at Columbia University, where I have been accepted.
I believe the knowledge I am acquiring at Yale should be dedicated to a just cause. This is why I felt compelled to stand firm on this issue. The situation in Palestine is intolerable.
I recollect the initial week of March during my senior year in high school. We were sent home and transitioned to remote learning.
We did not foresee it being the conclusion, but it was. No prom, no graduation. The pandemic was a significant disruptor, as were the Black Lives Matter protests. This also played a crucial role in the culmination of my high school experience and has shaped my current involvement and position.
‘The Protesters are Disrupting Student Life’
Melissa Manesh, 21, University of Southern California
This period is meant to be joyful, the last days on campus as students. Unfortunately, it is now dominated by protesters. There is a whirlwind of confusion. It is exasperating.
The protesters are disrupting student life. Libraries are closed during a crucial exam study period.
Helicopters are hovering above. Only two entrances to the campus are accessible, necessitating some to endure longer walks. Protesters have obstructed a vast area on campus, making it unsettling to traverse.
Many Jewish students, including myself, feel apprehensive. Insults are hurled at us. Labeling us as genocide supporters. Disturbing protest signs further increase the pressure of preparing for exams. It is challenging to remain focused amidst these circumstances.
Had someone told me that the graduation ceremony would be cancelled, I would have found it unbelievable. When the news broke, we were all deeply distressed and disheartened. This was meant to be one of the pinnacle moments of our academic journeys – an event we all anticipated – now disrupted.
I belonged to the class of 2020 in high school, where we missed out on graduation due to Covid. This situation feels eerily similar, profoundly sorrowful and distressing. However, this time it feels more profound