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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDozens of graduates walked out of Duke University’s May 12, 2024 commencement as Jerry Seinfeld was introduced, amid boos and chants of “free Palestine.” Seinfeld received an honorary degree and delivered his address without major interruption. Reporting linked the protest to his public support for Israel during the Gaza war, but does not establish that every person who left shared the same reason.
What happened at Duke’s commencement
Duke held its university-wide commencement at Wallace Wade Stadium on May 12, 2024. Comedian, actor, producer and author Jerry Seinfeld was the commencement speaker and received an honorary degree, according to Duke’s May 13 account.
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As Duke President Vincent Price introduced Seinfeld, some attendees booed and chanted “free Palestine”; others responded with “Jerry! Jerry!” Dozens of graduates left the seating area, and reports described some carrying Palestinian flags. Reuters said it verified the date and location of video showing the walkout. The ceremony livestream did not show the departing graduates, CBS/AP reported.
The Associated Press estimated that about 30 of roughly 7,000 Duke graduates walked out. That is an estimate, not an official university tally; CBS/AP and Reuters described the group less precisely as “dozens.”
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Why graduates walked out
CBS/AP and Reuters placed the protest in the context of Seinfeld’s public support for Israel during the Gaza war. That reporting helps explain why the walkout was described as pro-Palestinian, but it does not establish one shared personal motivation for every graduate who left. The protest was reported as a response to Seinfeld’s political stance; the available accounts do not support treating it as evidence of participants’ views about Jewish people.
What Seinfeld said in his address
The speech continued without major interruption. CBS/AP described it as largely avoiding politics, with jokes about students, artificial intelligence and privilege. Reuters quoted Seinfeld saying, “I say, use your privilege. I grew up a Jewish boy from New York. That is a privilege if you want to be a comedian.”
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Duke’s official recap foregrounded Seinfeld’s advice about humor. It quoted him telling graduates: “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.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Duke responded
Duke spokesperson Frank Tramble, the university’s vice president for marketing, communications and public affairs, told CBS News: “We’re excited and delighted for the Class of 2024 and their families. We understand the depth of feeling in our community, and as we have all year, we respect the right of everyone at Duke to express their views peacefully, without preventing graduates and their families from celebrating their achievement.”
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Sources
- Duke Today, “Advice from Jerry Seinfeld on Why Life Should be Navigated With Humor,” May 13, 2024
- CBS News / AP, “Duke University graduates walk out ahead of Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement address,” updated May 13, 2024
- Reuters via Investing.com, “Seinfeld speech at Duke commencement prompts walkout protesting his support for Israel,” May 12, 2024
- Associated Press, “Pro-Palestinian protests dwindle on campuses as some US college graduations marked by defiant acts,” May 13, 2024
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