Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt Pomona College convocation

On a Tuesday, roughly two dozen pro-Palestinian protesters, many of whom were masked and wearing keffiyehs, obstructed access to a convocation ceremony at Pomona College. The protesters, affiliated with the group Pomona Divest From Apartheid, refused to comply with requests from campus safety officers to move, remove their masks, and show student identification. This disruption led to the college's decision to live-stream the ceremony for safety reasons. The protest was part of a broader movement among Pomona students, who have been actively advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and demanding that the college divest from companies profiting from the violence. Earlier in the spring, students had occupied the president's office, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals, with charges against 19 being dropped upon completion of community service. In an Instagram post, the group declared, "WE SHUT DOWN CONVOCATION," emphasizing their commitment to pressuring the Pomona Board of Trustees and Administration to disclose and divest from investments they believe contribute to the oppression of Palestinians. The protest reflects a growing trend of activism on college campuses across the nation regarding social justice issues. Pomona College spokesperson Patricia Vest confirmed that the ceremony proceeded with only the stage party present due to the blockade. The college's response highlights the challenges institutions face in balancing free speech and safety during protests, particularly in the context of contentious political issues.