Western convocation begins against backdrop of pro-Palestinian encampment

Students taking part in a pro-Palestinian encampment at Western University say they have no plans to disrupt this week's convocation ceremonies, despite a post on a protest group's Instagram page that asks graduates to show their support with banners, flags and head scarves. 

"The plans are simply to engage in dialogue with individuals who are supportive or curious about the cause that we are here fighting for," said Jay Siv, a student organizer involved in the encampment outside Western's University Students Centre. 

"We are not intending on disrupting the actual convocation ceremony at all, and during convocation, we will not be protesting around or inside the buildings because that would be an intrusion on the convocation ceremony," he said.

Monday continues what will be two weeks of spring convocation ceremonies at Western. This is the first time convocations will happen against the backdrop of the protest encampment, which is now in its 33rd day. 

The protestors are pushing Western administrators to disclose information about any investments the university has in Israel. They also went to raise awareness about the toll the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is having on Palestinians who live in the Gaza strip. 

The first convocation ceremony took place Friday when the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry students walked across the stage to collect their diplomas. Several graduates unfurled banners when their names were called, but they received no reaction from President Alan Shepard who was on the stage, or the audience.  

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Monday saw hundreds of students and their families gathering inside Alumni Hall, while outside there was a visible police presence.  A placard set up outside the front door instructed visitors that "flags, posters, banners and signs" are not allowed inside. 

No flags or banners were seen inside Monday's morning convocation, although one graduate did wear a keffiyeh, a checkered scarf typically worn in Arab cultures that has come to symbolize solidarity with Palestinians. 

Western issued a statement last week calling on graduates to be "respectful of their fellow graduates and refrain from disrupting the ceremony."

At other universities in Canada and the United States, pro-Palestinian protestors have clashed with campus security and police. At McGill university last Montreal police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters and arrested 15 people. 

So far there's no sign of anything near that level of tension at Western. 

Outside Monday's ceremony, Sina Arian posed with his family to celebrate his graduation in psychology and film studies. 

"Obviously it's a serious situation going on in the world," he said when asked about the protests. "I don't think it affects the convocation, anyone can protest in a public space." 

The spring convocation at Western continues through to June 21.