In a dramatic turn of events at Duke University’s commencement ceremony, a large group of students staged a walkout as comedian Jerry Seinfeld was introduced as the keynote speaker. This protest, ignited by Seinfeld’s public support for Israel, added Duke to a growing list of universities experiencing similar disruptions over Middle East politics.
As Seinfeld took the stage, students rose from their seats and exited the venue, chanting “Free, free Palestine.” Their actions drew mixed reactions from fellow graduates—some joined in the chant, while others mocked the protesters. The incident quickly escalated into a heated debate online, with arguments polarized around issues of free speech, antisemitism, and the complexities of political dissent.
David Swanson / Reuters
Prominent voices weighed in on the controversy. Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger criticized the protest, suggesting it had antisemitic undertones given Seinfeld’s Jewish identity. In contrast, Democratic Representative Daniel Goldman defended Seinfeld, arguing that his ethnicity should not be conflated with his political views on Israel.
The walkout organizers were quick to clarify their stance, emphasizing that their protest was directed at Seinfeld’s support for Israel and not his religion. They urged Duke University to be transparent about its investments in Israeli-related entities and to consider divestment from companies associated with the ongoing conflicts.
Despite the disruption, Seinfeld delivered his speech and was awarded an honorary degree. Duke University acknowledged the protest in a statement, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to the rights of peaceful expression while celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.
“We’re excited and delighted for the Class of 2024 and their families. We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have all year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully,” said Frank Tramble, a spokesperson for the university.
The Duke University incident is part of a broader trend of student activism concerning international politics, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As universities continue to serve as platforms for diverse viewpoints, balancing freedom of expression with respectful discourse remains a challenging task.
Academic institutions like Duke are increasingly at the forefront of global political discourse. Events such as this walkout reflect the growing intersection of education, activism, and international politics. As universities strive to foster environments of open dialogue and learning, they also face the challenge of managing deeply polarized and emotive issues.
