During Duke University’s commencement ceremony on May 12, 2024, approximately 30 students staged a walkout in protest of guest speaker Jerry Seinfeld’s support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As Seinfeld took the stage to deliver his speech and receive an honorary doctorate, the protesting students exited the ceremony, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” .People.com+11news+11New York Post+11Newsweek+8New York Post+8news+8
The walkout was part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. college campuses, where students have been calling for their institutions to divest from companies with ties to Israel . At Duke, the protesters’ actions were met with a mix of reactions; while some attendees joined in the chants, others countered with cheers of “Jerry! Jerry!” .news+1Snopes+1BBC+5New York Post+5The Guardian+5
Seinfeld, known for his vocal support of Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, has previously visited Israel and met with families affected by the conflict . Despite the protest, he proceeded with his commencement address, focusing on life advice and the importance of humor, without directly addressing the political situation .New York Post+2BBC+2news+2EW.com+4Vanity Fair+4New York Post+4
In response to the protest, Duke University emphasized its commitment to free expression, stating, “We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have all year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully, without preventing graduates and their families from celebrating their achievement” .The Guardian+4CBS News+4People.com+4
The incident at Duke reflects the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, particularly within academic institutions where discussions about divestment and free speech continue to be prominent
