The annual honors convocation at the University of Michigan, usually a formal event, turned chaotic this year when protesters disrupted the ceremony with banners and shouts.
University officials responded by ending the event early, prompting the university president to announce plans for a new policy on disruptive behavior.
This incident reflects a broader trend among universities nationwide, where administrations are taking stricter actions against student protests deemed disruptive.
The protests, often centered around contentious issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, have led to suspensions and expulsions at universities like MIT, NYU, and Brown.
College officials cite concerns about maintaining campus civility and safety, but their actions have sparked criticism from a few liberal and left-wing civil liberties groups and a small number students who argue that universities should prioritize free expression.
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Both the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University have faced backlash for their handling of recent protests, underscoring the complexities universities face in navigating these issues.