Pomona College moves commencement ceremony to Shrine Auditorium

Pomona College announced Friday that the weekend's commencement ceremony has been moved to Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in response to pro-Palestinian protesters who had set up camp on the college's commencement stage earlier in the week.

College administration said the changes were made to ensure that the Class of 2024 can graduate with their loved ones in attendance, and assured that additional safety measures will be in place. 

"We are deeply grateful for our community's patience in this extraordinary situation and we look forward to honoring our graduates on Sunday," Pomona College wrote in a statement.    

The ceremonial move follows suit with the University of Southern California's decision to celebrate graduation Thursday at the LA Memorial Coliseum after canceling the school's commencement ceremony over concerns stemming from campus protests last week.

Like many protests at other college campuses, protesters at Pomona College are demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and for the school to cut ties to Israel. 

"Students, faculty and staff all want divestment on Pomona campus," protest spokesperson Sinqi Chapman said. "Now, it's really the turn of Pomona College to really respond to that call."

Chapman said the demonstrators called on the school to disclose their financial ties since the protesters don't know if Pomona College has any ties to Israel. 

School administrators said they would meet with the protesters in a statement. 

"Throughout the year, college leaders have offered to meet with student protesters and will continue to do so. We will promote safety for all members of our community and pursue our educational mission, considering the full range of viewpoints," administrators stated.

Sophomore Will Bennett said students have the right to speak up but also expressed his peers' concerns. 

"I think there are also people on campus who just don't feel safe with what's going on," he said. "A lot of Jewish students aren't as vocal ... They don't want to be attacked. I even know one kid who transferred."

Earlier in April, an encampment occupying the same space was dismantled by officials, which led to the arrest of 20 people after they took over an administration building.

The commencement ceremony for Pomona College takes place Sunday, 6 p.m. at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.