Campus protests disrupt graduation ceremonies | May 14, 2024

Summary

CNN 10 reports on the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on U.S. college graduation ceremonies, with some ceremonies canceled or moved due to safety concerns. Students at Virginia Commonwealth University and Duke University walked out during speeches, while USC canceled its commencement speech by Muslim valedictorian Anna Tabasum, citing security reasons. The program also covers the Northern Lights phenomenon, solar flares, and their potential effects on power grids and satellites, as well as a light-hearted story about a bear family visiting a homeowner's pool in Los Angeles County.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Graduation ceremonies across the United States are being affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, with some universities adjusting or canceling events due to safety concerns.
• 🚨 Over 2,000 people have been arrested on college and university campuses in the past month as a result of clashes over the conflict.
• 🏛 Some schools have increased security measures such as police barricades, metal detectors, and additional law enforcement during graduation ceremonies.
• 🚫 Students at Virginia Commonwealth University and Duke University walked out during commencement speeches in protest of the conflict.
• 📢 The University of Southern California (USC) canceled its commencement speech by Muslim valedictorian Anna Tabasum due to safety concerns, and later canceled the entire commencement ceremony.
• 🏫 USC's decision to cancel the commencement was influenced by the intensity of feelings and the potential for security and disruption risks.
• 🌟 Tabasum received a standing ovation from her classmates during a smaller ceremony on Friday morning.
• 🌌 The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have been lighting up the sky with vibrant colors and are expected to continue this week.
• 🌌 The phenomenon is caused by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, where highly charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, generating currents that can impact power grids and satellites.
• ⚠️ The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned of possible widespread voltage control problems due to the geomagnetic storm.
• 🛰️ Satellites may need to go into safe mode during the solar storm, and astronauts aboard the International Space Station may need to shelter in more protected areas to avoid radiation.
• 🏠 A Los Angeles County homeowner found that their pool came with regular visits from a bear and her two cubs, who enjoy swimming and playing with pool toys.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the CNN 10 news segment?

The main topic discussed is the adjustments to graduation ceremonies at various universities across the United States due to clashes and protests over the war between Israel and Palestine.

How many people have been arrested on college and university campuses as a result of the conflicts mentioned in the script?

More than 2,000 people have been arrested on college and university campuses as a result of the conflicts.

What security measures have been taken by some universities for their graduation ceremonies?

Some universities have increased security measures including police barricades, metal detectors, and additional law enforcement.

Why did Virginia Commonwealth University students walk out during Governor Glenn Youngkin's commencement address?

The students walked out in protest, likely due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has been a contentious issue on campuses.

What happened at Duke University during Jerry Seinfeld's commencement address?

Students at Duke University walked out during Jerry Seinfeld's commencement address, carrying Palestinian flags and chanting 'Free Palestine.'

Why was Anna Tabasum's commencement speech at the University of Southern California canceled?

The school canceled Anna Tabasum's commencement speech, citing safety concerns due to the ongoing conflict and potential for protests.

How did the University of Southern California handle the situation after canceling the commencement speech?

USC later canceled the entire commencement ceremony and held a smaller ceremony where Tabasum received a standing ovation from her classmates.

What adjustments did Columbia University make to their commencement ceremonies in response to the situation?

Columbia University decided to make class days and school-level ceremonies the centerpiece of commencement, focusing less on a large, centralized event.

What event caused a brief stoppage during UC Berkeley's commencement ceremony?

Protests and chanting by students caused a brief stoppage during UC Berkeley's commencement ceremony, with the dean of students asking the protesters to leave.

What astronomical event is described in the script as 'an extraordinary phenomenon' that lit up the sky with dancing hues of green, purple, and sometimes pink?

The astronomical event described is the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis.

What is the scientific explanation behind the formation of the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are formed when highly charged particles from a coronal mass ejection interact with Earth's magnetic field, generating currents that create the light display.