DULUTH, Ga. — Emory University held an off-campus commencement ceremony following weeks of protests against the war in Gaza. The ceremony was held at the Gas South District in Duluth instead of the campus Quad.
“I'm so excited about graduation; it’s been a long time coming,” said J’Dyn Plater, one of the Emory students ending their college career by crossing the stage at the Gas South Arena in Duluth.
Emory's president, Gregory Fenvis, announced the move off campus a week ago in a statement.
“Please know that this decision was not taken lightly. It was made in close consultation with the Emory Police Department, advisors, and other agencies. Each of which advised against holding commencement on campus," the statement said.
The safety concerns stem from weeks of protest on Emory’s campus against the war in Gaza.
On April 25, a rally quickly turned tense after a crowd of about 1,000 people gathered for a demonstration. Confrontations between law enforcement and protesters ensued, and officials said nearly 30 people were detained; among those detained were at least 20 Emory community members.
Pro-Palestinian/Stop Cop City protest on Emory University campus
While some students say they understand the reasons for the move, others feel they’re being penalized.
“I don't feel too bad that it’s a little different; the most important thing for me is that it’s in person, especially since my generation 4 years ago, we didn’t get an in-person graduation. My walk across the aisle was by myself; there was no one in the crowd, and I was in and out in 10 minutes,” said Dean Silvers, another Emory graduate.
Another student, said that she feels like moving the graduation off campus is discouraging students from protesting.
“The whole thing kinda encourages students to not use their voice, which is kinda the opposite of what they are teaching us at these institutions," she said. "Which is, like, use your voice be strong, be powerful, stand for justice, and when students do those things, they have these reactions. It almost feels like they’re punishing us."
But punishment or not, graduates said they won’t let anything dampen the excitement of graduation.
“I worked really hard to get here, and all the graduates worked really hard, so I’m just proud of everyone, proud of myself, so I’m really excited," said Plater.