Graduation represents academic achievement for many Americans, signifying the culmination of their studies with the receipt of diplomas.
Yet, some college students involved in pro-Palestinian activism face temporary degree suspension due to campus demonstrations.
“Four years and just a criminal record, nothing else,” said Youssef Hasweh, one of four students at the University of Chicago who have had their degrees withheld. “A decade of (high school and college) work down the toilet because I decided to express my free speech.”
Students facing graduation refusal due to campus activism, including arrests and disciplinary actions, feel uncertain and used as cautionary examples.
They are engaged in appeals and university investigations, preparing for potential financial challenges without obtaining degrees.
Despite the consequences, these students expressed no regrets for participating in protests related to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“I have these punishments and have to work through this stress, but it’s incomparable to the plight of Palestinians,” said Devron Burks, a Vanderbilt student who was arrested and expelled. “I don’t regret it, and I don’t think I ever will.”
Hasweh, who has been engaged in pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted, was informed via email approximately a week prior to graduation that his degree would not be granted.
“I recently received multiple complaints regarding the quad encampment that report issues related to disruptive conduct. In investigating the matter, you have been identified as an individual that may have been involved,” Jeremy W. Inabinet, an associate dean of students, wrote Hasweh in a May 24 email. “
Given the fact that you will be involved in the Disciplinary System for Disruptive Conduct and in consultation with the Faculty Chair, your degree will not be conferred until the resolution of this matter occurs,” the associate dean added.
Inabinet mentioned that Hasweh was permitted to take part in the graduation ceremonies scheduled for Saturday. However, the dean of students cautioned that this allowance could be revoked if the university receives any additional misconduct reports.
Hasweh, a political science student with relatives in the West Bank, believes that he and three of his peers were targeted by the university because they were part of a group arrested for trespassing during a pro-Palestinian sit-in last autumn. Following the arrests, a school investigation spanning eight months concluded with warnings issued to the students. Hasweh is apprehensive that they may not receive leniency again.
“Everything is on the table again, and we’re gambling with expulsion,” he said. “We’ll be degreeless and jobless and put in this impossible situation.”
A dismissed student from Vanderbilt, Burks, faces uncertainty without a degree and significant student debt after being involved in a campus protest leading to arrests and expulsions.
Despite disputed assault allegations, Burks and companions were expelled following the protest.
Burks, using they/them pronouns, spent time in police custody and now struggles to find stable housing, seeking refuge with friends.
Burks celebrated a makeshift graduation ceremony in a backyard, missing the official event, and is currently seeking employment while appealing for their degree amidst job offer setbacks in Georgia.
“This has been the most stressful time,” Burks said. “Without my degree conferral, I can’t move on with my life.”
