CLEVELAND — Earlier this week, students who were involved in the pro-Palestinian encampment at Case Western Reserve University received an email from the institution barring them from commencement ceremonies and campus. 

What You Need To Know

  • A nearly two week long pro-Palestinian encampment was held on the campus of Case Western Reserve University

  • On Monday, university officials sent emails to student activists informing them they would not be able to participate in commencement ceremonies

  • Some students are now trying to appeal the university’s decision

Now some students, like Jad Olgesby, a senior at Case Western, are appealing.

Olgesby met with met with university officials Wednesday hoping to convince them to repeal the decision that prevents him from walking across the stage at commencement this weekend.

In the email sent to students from the university, officials stated that conferral of students’ degrees will be on hold, pending completion of the normal student conduct process.

“Unfortunately, with our conduct officers and our conduct staff here at Case Western Reserve University, they have notoriously been slow,” Olgesby said. “When I came into the meeting, one of the first things I asked is that is that this process be expeditious and speedy in order to at least provide myself and other seniors here who were involved with this protest at least the opportunity to walk at commencement and experience this once in a lifetime event.” 

Olgesby said the university’s decision is heartbreaking for him and his family.

The student stayed busy during his four years of college. Along with his involvement in the Students for Justice in Palestine group, he was the captain of the soccer team, served as the president of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and is a double major.

He’s also headed to law school in the fall.

“Despite everything going on, I still advocate Case Western Reserve University as a fantastic university to attend,” he said.

Spectrum News 1 Ohio reached out to the university, and they said, “Case Western Reserve has initiated its student conduct process, including temporary withholding of degrees and bans from university property for a limited number of students who may have been involved in the unsanctioned encampment on private property and other conduct violations.”

The university added, “In line with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the university is unable to comment on specific student conduct cases.”

Although Olgesby might not be able to walk across the stage to receive his diploma, he said he does not regret his decision to participate in the encampment. 

“It’s really unfortunate and it’s honestly a shame,” he said. “But, if given the opportunity to do it again, I would.”