Columbia University’s Wednesday graduation was marred by mayhem, as anti-Israel graduates set fire to their diplomas and police clashed with demonstrators outside the Upper Manhattan ceremony.

According to the New York Post, protesting students chanted “free Palestine!” and demanded the release of former graduate student Mahmoud Khalil as acting university President Claire Shipman tried to deliver the commencement address.

Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in March for his role in organizing anti-Israel unrest on the school’s campus the year before. He is currently awaiting deportation.

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