University of Utah graduates uneasy about commencement after campus pro-Palestine protests

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Graduating seniors at the University of Utah are worried about commencement cancellations due to pro-Palestine protesting that happened on campus.

Cancellations have been occurring at other campuses across the country due to students' protests. The University of Utah's commencement is scheduled for Thursday.

Leadership at the University stressed that this group of graduates is especially resilient, as their high school graduations were compromised during the COVID pandemic.

RELATED: University of Utah to increase security for commencement amid pro-Palestine protests

Students said they realize disruptions could happen, especially after the rally at the school on Monday.

U of U senior Lauren Hanscomb said while she’s excited for graduation, she realizes tensions are high.

"I have grandparents on the East Coast, and they've been calling me every day saying, 'Hey, has your graduation been canceled?'" Hanscomb said. "I'm a little nervous that stuff might get canceled and postponed or something like that when I have so many people coming out to celebrate."

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She said her cousin goes to school at the University of Southern California and his graduation was canceled, which he's upset about.

Another U of U graduate, Joel Howard, said while he’s relieved commencement is finally here, he’s also aware of what’s happening across the country.

"I saw some other universities have had to cancel their graduation, which would suck, but I guess there's bigger things at play," he said.

MORE: Jewish students weigh in on University of Utah pro-Palestine protests

On Monday, a peaceful protest took an unlawful turn when encampments went up in the U's President’s Circle. Protest organizers said they were trying to mimic similar pro-Palestine rallies on other college campuses.

University of Utah spokesman Chris Nelson said, "We will support free speech, but we will not allow the law to not be followed."

Nelson said after police forced demonstrators off campus on Monday, they’re fully prepared for commencement, even if there are disruptions.

RELATED: Former officer weighs in on law enforcement response at U of U protest

"If you look at UT-Austin, if you look at what's been going on at Columbia University, what we've learned is you need to act decisively and be really principles-based," Nelson said.

In the meantime, students like Hanscomb and Howard said they're optimistic.

"I'm glad that the university is handling things in a peaceful manner, and hopefully, things don't escalate too much, and we'll see how it goes," Hanscomb said.

The U plans to graduate about 9,000 students as the class of 2024. School officials want to assure families that are arriving for the ceremonies they have security staffed all across campus to respond to any disruption.

Commencement begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2.