UC San Diego medical graduate unfurls “Divest From Death” banner
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A graduate of the UC San Diego School of Medicine unfurled a large banner reading “DIVEST FROM DEATH” — incorporating colors of the Palestinian flag and a red handprint — while crossing the stage during the school’s commencement ceremony on Sunday.
Video footage from the event at the Epstein Family Amphitheater shows the graduate, wearing a doctoral gown and sunglasses, holding up the banner alongside another individual as they moved across the stage.
The brief protest occurred amid the formal proceedings for the MD Class of 2026.
“After 12 years in the UCSD Med School program, I'm very proud to graduate with my MD and PhD and join the thousands of students demanding divestment and an end to all forms of institutional complicity in the "Israeli" Occupation of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/cx9BktVjKk
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) June 1, 2026
The action reflects ongoing campus activism tied to the ‘Israeli’ war on Gaza and broader calls for universities to sever financial and institutional ties with ‘Israel’.
The UCSD Divest Coalition and similar groups have pushed for divestment from companies and entities linked to ‘Israel’, citing the conflict in Gaza.
Divestment Demands
Student protesters at UC San Diego, as at other University of California campuses, have demanded that the institution divest from weapons manufacturers, companies doing business with ‘Israel’, and research partnerships perceived as supporting the ‘Israeli’ military.
University officials have previously stated that such broad divestment does not align with UCSD policy and could threaten academic freedom.
In 2024, UCSD saw significant protests, including a Gaza Solidarity Encampment that led to arrests and disciplinary actions.
While this year’s broader commencement events appear to have been relatively calm compared to prior years, targeted demonstrations during individual school ceremonies have continued.
Similar protests have occurred at other US universities during 2025–2026 graduations, with students displaying Palestinian flags or banners calling for divestment.
Some institutions have responded by adjusting protocols or, in isolated cases, withholding diplomas temporarily.
