New York [US], Columbia University on Monday canceled its university-wide commencement ceremony planned for next week due to ongoing pro-Palestine protests on campus, a university official told CNN. Pro-Palestinian protests erupt at US universities against the Israeli response to Gaza, which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians according to the health ministry, with a Colombian official telling CNN that security concerns were the main reason for the decision not to be taken. Was one of the. A big commencement ceremony for this year's graduating class. In an announcement Monday, Columbia said it has decided to "cancel the university-wide ceremony" scheduled for the South Lawn of the Morningside campus on May 15 and move all school ceremonies. Additionally, Columbia said it plans to share details in the coming days about a "celebration event" on May 15 that will allow graduates to come together to celebrate."Our students emphasize that these small-scale, school-based celebrations are the most meaningful to them and their families. They look forward to clapping on stage and hearing invited guest speakers from their school, the university "As a result, we will focus our resources on keeping those school gatherings safe, respectful and running smoothly," the statement said, adding that the decision follows the arrest of more than 20 protesters on campus last week. Came about a week after doing this.Following the arrest, Columbia said law enforcement would remain on the campus to ensure security until at least May 17. According to CNN, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said the university "did not want to deprive thousands of students and their families of friends of a graduation ceremony." “Please remember that many in this graduating class did not get to celebrate graduating from high school due to the pandemic, and many of them are the first in their families to earn a university degree,” Shafiq said after speaking at Southern. university. California was the first country to cancel its main commencement ceremony in late April, citing "new security measures in place." As arrests at campus encampments unfolded and escalated last week, other universities also responded to these pro-Palestinian protests. Various demands are being made for the demonstrations. University campuses have been vandalized in recent weeks, but most protesters are calling for their schools to be disassociated from companies and other entities they say are supporting or profiting from Israel's war in Gaza. Harvard University warned protesters on Monday that those who are involved in a pro-Palestinian camp on campus will face "involuntary discharge" and will not be able to sit for exams. "I write today with this simple message: The continuation of the camps presents a significant risk to the academic climate of the university, Harvard's interim President Alan Garber wrote in an email to the Harvard community. "Those who participate in or perpetuate its continuation may face involuntary discharge from their schools. Students placed on involuntary leave may not be able to sit for exams, may not live in Harvard housing and "must go," Garber said. Harvard's interim president said, "when Unless reinstated, they will cease to be present on the premises.''