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A video circulating on social media shows a graduating McGill University student making what appear to be spitting motions at university officials at a convocation ceremony, with the crowd cheering her on.
After a name is called out, the student unfurls a sign that reads: “Divest from death.”
She then appears to make spitting motions toward two officials on the stage, including McGill president Deep Saini.
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Applause and cheers can be heard from the crowd.
The incident happened on June 3 during an Arts graduation ceremony.
The university live-streamed the event.
A version of McGill’s video published online shows the student arriving on the stage but does not show her unfurling the banner or making motions toward administrators.
The McGill official reading out the names of graduates pauses for several seconds after the student walks by, apparently distracted by what was happening off-screen.
In a statement to The Gazette, McGill said university officials “were focused on the ceremony itself, and therefore did not notice if the graduating student spat.”
“It was, however, clear the student was yelling and highly disrespectful. The university remains firmly committed to peaceful and respectful dialogue, even on the most divisive and painful issues.”
As for whether McGill will take action against the person, the university said it “cannot comment on individual disciplinary processes or actions for students or employees to respect privacy.”
It added: “When McGill’s Code of Student Conduct, other policies, or especially the law is breached, we do act.”
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McGill is holding graduation events at the Bell Centre this month.
Convocation normally takes place on its downtown campus, but it was moved after pro-Palestinian protesters set up an encampment on April 27. They are demanding the university divest from companies linked to Israel.
On Thursday, pro-Palestinian protesters occupied an office at a McGill administration building.
Outside the building, riot police used tear gas and shields against protesters carrying sections of scaffolding as a makeshift barricade. Windows were smashed and graffiti was sprayed on university property.
Montreal police said they arrested 15 people in the wake of what they described as the “illegal” occupation of the building.
The Israel-Hamas war erupted in October.
The conflict started on Oct. 7 when about 1,200 Israelis were killed in an attack from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, described by the Canadian government as “a radical Islamist-nationalist terrorist organization.”
Since then, Israel has repeatedly attacked Gaza, with the Palestinian death toll surpassing 36,000, according to the Health Ministry of Hamas-run Gaza.
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