A graduating student at the University of California, Berkeley, was denied his diploma during a commencement ceremony after he attempted to receive it while holding a Palestinian flag behind his back. The incident, which occurred on May 23, 2026, at the Goldman School of Public Policy graduation, has sparked widespread debate over the limits of political expression at academic events.
Video Shows Tense Exchange
Video footage shared on social media on May 26 shows the student, wearing dark glasses, presenting the flag to the cheering audience before approaching the stage to receive his diploma. As he reached the dean, the diploma was pulled back, and a 40-second conversation ensued, during which the audience began to boo and catcall. An off-camera female voice can be heard stating, "I'm sorry, but we're not allowed to have flags. Flags are prohibited. We're not allowed to have flags." The voice added, "It's not our policy, it's the university policy."
Student Compliance and Aftermath
The student eventually walked to the edge of the stage and handed the flag to someone in the audience before returning to collect his diploma. He moved quickly, and no handshake occurred between the student and the official. The video was posted by Brandon Tatum, an American political commentator and former police officer. According to the New York Post, the event was the spring graduation ceremony for the Goldman School of Public Policy.
University Response
The university released a statement from Dean David C. Wilson, explaining that all students had been provided with written guidelines prior to the ceremony, clearly stating that 'SIGNS / BANNERS / FLAGS' were prohibited in the venue. Wilson noted that the student's actions were inconsistent with these guidelines. He described the dialogue as civil and confirmed that the student complied, received his scroll, and the ceremony concluded without further disruption. Wilson expressed pride in the student and the Class of 2026.
Similar Incidents Elsewhere
Earlier in May, Roya News reported that several graduating students at George Mason University in Virginia were forcibly removed from their commencement ceremony after displaying Palestinian flags. University staff and security intervened, cutting the students' participation short and escorting them out. One of the ejected students remarked, "My freedom and my rights were violated." These incidents highlight ongoing tensions around political expression at university ceremonies.
