EDMONTON — MacEwan University barred psychology graduate Eve Aboualy from her June 17 convocation ceremony following her involvement in a pro‑Palestine protest that disrupted a Board of Governors meeting, the institution confirmed on Thursday.
University officials said Aboualy participated in an unauthorized demonstration within campus buildings, where she held a Palestinian flag and disrupted formal proceedings.
A spokesperson for MacEwan stated the decision aligns with its student conduct policies, which prohibit disruptions during official events. They noted it was made after a formal review of Aboualy’s behavior at the December Board of Governors meeting.
Aboualy’s supporters criticized the move as political censorship. According to online posts, she stood on stage during convocation to display a Palestinian flag before being escorted out.
One attendee observed via livestream that “a young woman graduating held up a Palestinian flag as she walked across the stage.”
University officials maintained the action was not against a particular cause but was based solely on policy enforcement. They emphasized that rules apply equally to all students regardless of their beliefs.
MacEwan said Aboualy may still be awarded her diploma in absentia and urged students to review and follow the institution’s conduct guidelines for public events.
This article is based on verified information from MacEwan University statements, The Progress Report, and social media documentation.
Has clarity justice, and right from wrong finally started to come back to our universities?
I congratulate the university officials for taking a position of strength and enforcing the basic rules of their governance.