AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas graduates poured into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday night for their commencement ceremony. It was a celebration that had some worried, as it came on the heels of pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
During the ceremony, some graduates showed their support by decorating their caps, but the ceremony as a whole went on with little disruption.
Texas Department of Safety (DPS) troopers were on standby during the commencement. However, there was no mention from speakers, which included UT President Jay Hartzell.
Ahead of the ceremony, however, Hartzell released a video message making clear that although he supports the demonstrations, disruptions would not be tolerated.
"We have a duty prepare and protect, not only our ceremonies, but also our graduates, their families and guests as well as our Long Horn community," Hartzell said in the video.
Before the ceremony, there was a small group of protesters spread out around the stadium, holding up signs that read, "Free Palestine." They were also passing out flyers calling on the university to divest from weapons manufacturers companies contributing to the Israel-Hamas war and expressing what they call an "anti-speech environment" on campus.
Angelina Alanis is a UT alumni and was among the protesters handing out the flyers.
Alanis explained she was disheartened by her alma mater and had hoped to spread awareness at graduation.
"Students deserve to feel safe when they go to school, and I just want people to make that happen," Alanis said.
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There was a prior concern that the commencement would be canceled. Universities across the country had implemented changes or flat out canceled ceremonies due to the protests. But earlier in the week, UT officials confirmed the ceremony would be a go.