TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida kicked off its commencement ceremonies Thursday.

This weekend, more than 7,000 students will get their degrees. The ceremonies are happening amid pro-Palestinian protests at USF earlier this week.

During the first ceremony Thursday at the Yuengling Center, one graduate walked across the stage presenting a Palestinian flag eliciting a wave of boos, and a few cheers, from the crowd. 

Despite the recent protests and the flag being pulled out during the ceremony, Chris Scott, a graduating student, is just happy the day has arrived that he’s done with school. 

“We all came in with COVID (happening), so it’s been a long and trying journey, he said. “It feels unreal to finally be here.” 

Scott is one step closer to his dream of becoming a pharmacist. But heading into the ceremony, he said he, like many others, is aware of the recent pro-Palestinian protests at USF’s campus.

Despite what happened on campus earlier this week, Scott said he felt safe. 

“They’re (the protesters) not allowed on campus grounds,” he said. “We’re fairly well inland. There’s obviously security present. There’s no danger here at all, especially tonight.” 

A spokesperson for the university said just under 250 doctorate students took part in this first commencement ceremony. 

There was also heightened security at Thursday’s commencement, and will be for the following ceremonies.

In a memo to university presidents across the state, Chancellor Ray Rodrigues was clear where he stood, directing school officials to make sure commencements weren’t canceled or disrupted.

“While we respect and honor the First Amendment,” Rodrigues’ statement read. “…a commencement ceremony is not the time nor place to hold a political protest.”