Columbia University, which has been witnessing a pro-Gaza protest and encampment in its campus for the past few weeks, has canceled its main graduation ceremony and will replace it with a “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations.”

University officials told NBC that the decision was made after discussions with student leaders and that “security concerns” was the main reason.

“These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. Just as we are focused on making our graduation experience truly special, we continue to solicit student feedback and are looking at the possibility of a festive event on May 15 to take the place of the large, formal ceremony," officials said.

On April 17, Columbia students erected about 50 tents on the university grounds demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the university to divest from “Israel” and from companies divesting from the war.

Also Read: Biden comments on pro-Palestine university protests across US

One week ago, President of Columbia University Minouche Shafik, has told protestors that they will not divest from “Israel” as demanded and that investments will not be withdrawn.

In a letter addressed to the “negotiation team” of protesting students seen by “Al-Jazeera”, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said that the campus is now an “unwelcoming environment for many of our Jewish students and faculty members and we must consider the rights of all members of our community.”

Shafik added that the University has provided space for peaceful protest without disrupting academic life, further claiming that they have no intention of suppressing free speech or the right to peaceful protests.

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