Parents and Voters Annoyed at University Administration for Canceling Commencement
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Key Takeaways
- Columbia University’s decision to cancel its commencement ceremonies due to anti-Israel protests upsets and frustrates students and parents.
- Views on the cancelation fall mostly along political divides, though parents whose students are supposed to graduate are more likely to be critical.
- Right leaning and pro-Israel voters are also highly critical of university administrators for their overall handling of the protests, while progressives and pro-Palestine activists say administrators should be doing more to meet protester demands.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
5,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
20 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
Columbia University recently canceled its commencement ceremony in response to ongoing anti-Israel protests on campus. These protests, part of a broader wave of political demonstrations at U.S. colleges, have intensified, leading to significant disruptions and even police intervention. While reactions to the protests generally vary according to political leanings, Columbia’s canceled graduation seems to upset parents across the board.
Many supporters of the protests express concerns about security measures and the involvement of law enforcement. Discussions frequently mention the use of police force during raids at Columbia’s Hamilton Hall, where protesters were staying. Those who advocate for pro-Palestine action tend to condemn what they see as excessive force and police brutality, claiming the protests are peaceful.
The decision to cancel graduation has sparked debate over its impact on graduating students. Many argue the protests have unfairly deprived these students of a pivotal life experience. Protest supporters believe the cancelation underscores the seriousness of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Still others blame university administrators for allowing the protests to impact normal proceedings on campus.
- National sentiment towards universities and protests dipped below 40% at the beginning of May, as protests reached fever pitch.
- Sentiment seems to be slowly recovering as national attention turns to other events and discussion volume drops.
- Approval of President Biden on Israel and Palestine remains in the low 40% range as both right and left leaning voters seem unhappy with his handling of the conflict.
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Reactions to Canceling Graduation
Protest supporters are more likely to focus on the reasons behind the cancellation, in their reactions. They point out public health or student safety concerns, and generally support measures that prioritize community welfare.
Pro-Israel and more conservative voters tend to view the cancellation as an overreaction and infringement on important milestones and traditions. They seem to view the decision as a capitulation to protesters by the administration.
Parents of university students, particularly those of graduating seniors, are being significantly impacted by the cancellation. They express disappointment, frustration, and unhappiness at the loss of an important ceremony for graduating students.
Reactions among parents are predominantly negative. Sentiments focus on the emotional and financial ramifications:
- Disappointment and frustration: Many parents express disappointment that their children will miss out on the ceremonial acknowledgment of their academic achievements.
- Financial concerns: There is frequent mention of financial losses relating to travel and accommodation bookings, as many families prepare for commencement months in advance.
- Request for Alternatives: A common request among parents is for the university to consider alternative forms of celebration, such as virtual events or smaller, department-specific ceremonies.
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Critique of University Administrators
Many critics of the decision to cancel graduation are also critical of how university administrators have handled the protests in general. They say the administration is overly lenient or biased in favor of what they consider "left-wing" protesters. This sentiment is especially carried over among conservative voters who views their values as under attack by academia.
There is a frequent call for stricter actions against protesters who obstruct the functioning of educational institutions or who promote anti-American or violent rhetoric. Conservatives frequently cite:
- University failure to protect Jewish students and curb antisemitic rhetoric.
- A belief that administrators allow "political correctness" to stifle truly free speech and normal campus functions.
- The notion that universities are becoming safe havens for extremist views under the guise of academic freedom.
Liberal voters are more likely to support the administrators' decisions in handling protests, emphasizing the importance of free speech and peaceful protest. However, this group is not monolithic. Some progressives believe that university leaders are failing to adequately support minority and marginalized groups during protests. They argue administrators are not doing enough to meet the demands of protesters. Progressives often cite:
- Administrators not being proactive in defending free speech rights for all groups, especially minorities.
- Concerns over the potential suppression of academic freedom under external political pressures.
- The balance between maintaining campus order and respecting protesters' rights.
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