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Pro-Palestine protesters whose encampment on Western University’s campus has entered its second month are encouraging graduates at this week’s convocation ceremonies to bring signs, banners and other indications of support.
The protesters, who want the university to divest from companies linked to Israel, called on graduates to “show Palestinian solidarity” by wearing keffiyehs or bringing flags or banners “while walking across stage” to get their degree.
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“We encourage all guests and community members to do the same,” the group calling itself the Western Divestment Coalition wrote on social media.
The encampment, located outside the University Community Centre, began May 8. People staying in tents have met off and on with school officials but the two sides have failed to reach an agreement that would end the protest.
Observers have long wondered what effect the protests could have on spring convocation ceremonies at Alumni Hall. The first was set for 10 a.m. Monday and as of 30 minutes beforehand there were few signs of protests outside the venue: One person with a Palestinian flag, another with a sign and a banner that read “congratulations on graduating” with a Palestinian flag drawn on it.
They were stationed across from the Alumni Hall entrance, but security guards made them move. The protesters told The Free Press they were going to be “respectful” of the ceremonies, which will be held until June 21.
The Western encampment is similar to other protests at universities across North America amid Israel’s assault on Hamas-controlled territory in Gaza that has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, local health authorities say. Israel’s response was sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas militants in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 taken hostage.
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