Following weeks of protests, Columbia University has made the decision to cancel its university-wide commencement ceremony and focus instead on school-based celebrations.
"We will focus our resources on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly," the school said in a statement.
The decision comes less than a week after the NYPD cleared out an encampment that had been at the school for nearly two weeks. Columbia was reluctant to ask the NYPD for help at first, but finally took action when protesters barricaded themselves inside an academic building.
"These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. Just as we are focused on making our graduation experience truly special, we continue to solicit student feedback and are looking at the possibility of a festive event on May 15 to take the place of the large, formal ceremony," the school said.
Photo Credit: Getty Images