UChicago Convocation: Pro-Palestinian protest in Hyde Park clashes with police near University of Chicago graduation

CHICAGO (WLS) — Saturday's start at the University of Chicago was anything but usual.

Alongside the graduation and congratulations, there was a pro-Palestinian demonstration and allegations that protesters were pepper-sprayed.

ABC7 Chicago is now broadcast 24/7. Click here to watch

There were gestures of defiance from students protesting the war in Gaza at the University of Chicago's convocation Saturday morning.

“It is difficult for people to celebrate, even on a joyful day, when atrocities are happening all over the world,” said Abei Shemsu, who attended the graduation.

Others and their supporters took to the streets to protest the school's denial of diplomas to at least four high school students because of their involvement in a pro-Palestinian encampment. The school camp was emptied on May 7.

“We will continue to fight until the university divests, discloses and repairs,” said Youssef Hasweh, whose diploma was not withheld.

SEE ALSO |16 aldermen ask UChicago to reconsider denying diplomas to 4 sanctioned students

Hundreds of people have joined the chorus of students demanding that their universities and colleges stop doing business with Israel or with companies they say support its war in Gaza.

“Graduation is supposed to be fun, not complaining about the war,” said Claudia Mandujano, the mother of a graduate.

The disruption to the outdoor ceremony, which lasted for rainy hours, was brief. Some students waved Palestinian flags while others wore traditional black and white checkered scarves over their dresses in a show of solidarity.

But during a separate rally and march, some pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with university police.

A woman says she was sprayed in the face with pepper spray.

“The UCPD grabbed me by the arm, pulled me into the line and while he was pulling me in. He was yelling, 'Get out! Get out! Get out!' And then someone pepper-sprayed me,” Elise Knaub said.

In an emailed statement, a university spokesperson confirmed an interaction between police and a protester, writing in part: “Protesters at a demonstration at E 59th Street and S University Avenue attempted to access a closed street and cross a barrier erected by “

The university made no further statement regarding the protest.

Denied degrees may be awarded once formal disciplinary cases have been resolved.