ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Commencement ceremonies are underway at the University of Central Florida.
News 6 spoke to graduate Mohammad Amori moments after he received his master’s Friday and said he wanted to represent his family by wearing the Palestinian flag on his cap.
“Because of what’s going on in the Middle East and what’s going on in Palestine. I wanted people to know that there’s people here that support them and everything that they are going through and representing them the best I can,” Amori said.
Amori’s graduation comes as pro-Palestinian protests continue at universities and colleges across the country.
Some protests have led to arrests and clashes with police officers which is why the State University System of Florida is urging Florida colleges not to let protests impact any commencement plans over the next few days.
Chancellor Ray Rodrigues wrote: “These ceremonies are important milestones for our graduating students, and we owe it to our students to see it that these ceremonies take place as planned. While we respect and honor the First Amendment, a commencement ceremony is not the time nor place to hold a political protest.”
On Friday, UCF Police and Oviedo Police were seen on campus with officers patrolling inside the arena throughout the ceremony.
“I hope people around the world choose peace over violence I hope that we see what’s really going on over there and we bring mercy to them as soon as possible so they can live their lives like we have our lives here in America and across the other countries in the world,” Amori said.
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