TAMPA, Fla. — The first several graduation ceremonies at the University of South Florida went on without disruption.
It comes after three consecutive days this week of protests supporting Palestine on campus. The protests have continued at universities nationwide, prompting President Joe Biden to break his silence Thursday.
USF officials said they have a heightened police presence on campus this week during commencements, adding that anyone disrupting will be subject to removal.
Law enforcement arrested at least 13 people at USF this week. They and USF officials declared a protest on Tuesday unlawful. Police deployed tear gas at protesters, causing most of them to disperse.
Ahead of graduation, the state university system told schools not to cancel graduation.
More than 200 graduates received their doctorate during Thursday evening's ceremonies.
During the ceremony, one graduate held up the flag of Palestine prompting cheers and boos, but commencement went on as normal.
"I feel overwhelmed, but overall with like happiness," graduate Tiffany Nguyen, who received her doctorate in pharmacy, said.
Speaking with her parents by her side, Nguyen said it feels like a full circle moment.
"Everything I do is for them," Nguyen said.
Graduate Tyler Krinkie said he wasn't as concerned about interruptions during graduation, citing constant communication from the school.
Krinkie, who also received his doctorate in pharmacy, said after COVID-19 briefly disrupted studies, the commencement feels all the more worth it.
"I feel accomplished," Krinkie said. "[I] never thought this was something I could achieve, and here we are."
Earlier in the day, the Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida denounced the arrests this week and actions from law enforcement.
Graduation ceremonies at USF will continue Friday morning.