U of I commencement will go on amidst encampment protest

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Despite the ongoing encampment on the University of Illinois campus , the university’s commencement ceremony is still a go.

Questions surrounding commencement have been risen after universities across the country saw pro-Palestine encampments be set up on their campuses, demanding that the universities divest from companies supporting Israel. In one case, the University of Southern California canceled its commencement .

But UI spokesperson Robin Kaler said the University of Illinois always prepares for possible disruptions at large events and they have a plan in place.

“We have been preparing for Commencement for quite some time,” Kaler told WCIA. “We take measures to prevent disruptions (e.g., not allowing banners or posters into venues), and we have response teams on site at each ceremony who coordinate with University Police to quickly address any attempted disruptions.”

Kaler added that the university is aware that the Class of 2024 didn’t get a high school graduation because of COVID-19, and the university wants to make sure the graduates and their families can celebrate.

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