Amidst the pomp and circumstance of Duke University’s 2024 commencement ceremony, comedian Jerry Seinfeld found himself at the center of a whirlwind of controversy. As he took to the stage to deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree, a wave of protests erupted among some attendees, highlighting deep-seated divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict and sparking a debate over free speech and expression on college campuses.
Seinfeld, renowned for his iconic sitcom and sharp observational humor, was met with both cheers and jeers as he addressed the graduating class of 2024. However, the celebratory atmosphere was punctuated by the sight of dozens of students walking out of the stadium, some brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.” The protest was a visible display of dissent against Seinfeld’s vocal support of Israel, a stance that has drawn controversy in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The comedian’s connection to Israel runs deep, with Seinfeld publicly expressing solidarity with the country following the Oct. 7 attack that reignited hostilities between Israel and Hamas. His unwavering support for Israel has been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the broader polarization surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the protests, Seinfeld proceeded with his speech, urging graduates to embrace humor as a guiding principle in life. “All of you here, without question, are the best of the best. Just don’t lose your humor. It’s not an accessory. It’s your Stanley Cup water bottle on the brutal, long hike of life,” Seinfeld remarked, emphasizing the importance of laughter in navigating life’s challenges.
The walkouts at Duke mirrored similar protests at other universities across the country, where students have voiced opposition to speakers with controversial views or affiliations. From Emerson College in Boston to the University of California, Berkeley, graduation ceremonies have become battlegrounds for ideological clashes, underscoring the fraught political climate on college campuses.
In response to the protests, Duke University officials reaffirmed their commitment to free expression while acknowledging the depth of feeling within the community. “We respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully, without preventing graduates and their families from celebrating their achievement,” said Duke spokesperson Frank Tramble in a statement.