Graduation protests continue at universities

The Istanbul University Faculty of Law graduation ceremony was the scene of a student protest. During the ceremony, students waiting on stage to receive their diplomas began a protest by banging on tables to voice their opposition to the university administration. This protest, which echoed throughout the ceremony area, caused a major stir on social media.

Although the exact reason for the students' protest has not been fully explained, it is considered to be the cumulative result of concerns regarding academic freedoms, issues of meritocracy, and dissatisfaction with administrative policies.

BACKS TURNED TO THE RECTOR AT ITU

A similar protest took place at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) graduation ceremony. During the ceremony held on July 12, 2025, students performed a silent protest by turning their backs the moment Rector Hasan Mandal took the podium. Those moments were captured on camera and shared thousands of times on social media.

PODIUM PROTEST AT BOĞAZİÇİ

A similar action was carried out at Boğaziçi University on July 1, 2025. Students showed their reaction by turning their backs on department chair Selver B. Şahin while she was speaking on stage. It is believed that this action was taken specifically in response to recent debates regarding changes to the university's academic staff and issues concerning student representation.

News Source: 12punto