Security tight at CT universities at graduations this year amid Gaza protests. Expect metal detectors

In Connecticut and across the country, university campuses have been disrupted by student protests supporting Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza war, just ahead of graduations this month.

Universities across Connecticut, however, have plans in place to prevent trouble although they do not expect disturbances at those graduation ceremonies.

The protests have focused on universities’ investments in military contractors that sell weapons to Israel. They have included arrests of 25 students at the University of Connecticut when the students refused to break down an encampment at Storrs.

At Yale University in New Haven, Conn., police cleared an encampment without arrests after threatening emergency suspensions. Students were arrested at an earlier encampment, however, and following a later march.

Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., has allowed an encampment to continue. Student protesters there have been peaceful.

Despite the unrest at Storrs, Stephanie Reitz, university spokeswoman, said in an email, “UConn business is continuing as scheduled, including Commencement ceremonies.”

UConn planned 17 graduation ceremonies, this weekend, most at Gampel Pavilion, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts and the UConn Student Union’s theater, Reitz said. Entry will be tightly regulated, with metal detectors and physical tickets required for entry.

“Enhanced security planning is also occurring that includes additional police and security staff, and the creation of buffer zones around the entrances/exits of the venues,” Reitz said.

“Those and other measures are intended to help ensure a safe and festive atmosphere for the students who have worked so hard for their well-deserved degrees, and for the families there to support and cheer them on,” she said.

“Each year, we plan all aspects of commencement weekend to provide our graduates, their families, and faculty and staff with a safe, enjoyable experience,” said Karen Peart, Yale spokeswoman, in an email, “This, of course, includes planning with the security team as they consider anything that might infringe upon a smooth and successful celebration of our graduates.”

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