VCU Graduates Walk Out of Commencement Ceremony in Protest

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - About 100 graduates disrupted Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 11 by walking out to protest the fact that Governor Youngkin was speaking.

Protestors then marched down the streets of Richmond to continue their demonstration. Students were also challenging other recent decisions made by VCU, including the decision to deploy police in riot gear to break up a recent pro-Palestinian protest outside of Cabell Library.

Saturday’s demonstration was expected, and law enforcement and security were stationed outside of the event. In a statement distributed prior to the ceremony, VCU leaders emphasized that disruptions would not be tolerated. They also reiterated that the school has had other political figures speak at graduation ceremonies in the past without issue.

The walkout and subsequent march did not yield any significant interaction between police and protestors. Most graduates walked to a nearby park to celebrate together and further discuss their cause.