Graduate from University of Buffalo makes a dramatic exit, fleeing law enforcement after carrying contraband during his commencement ceremony – a baby.
University Graduate Marches with Infant, Sparks Commencement Controversy
At the University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony on Sunday, Jean-Paul Al-Arab, a recently graduated student, made a bold move that sparked controversy: he walked across the stage, carrying his baby. A video of the event shows Al-Arab sprinting from backstage, bypassing the line of graduates, and insisting on joining the proceedings while cradling a baby dressed in a royal blue cap and gown.
The video footage on Al-Arab's TikTok account, verified by NBC News, reveals the aftermath. Al-Arab was pursued by at least two police officers and two individuals who appeared to be university faculty members. Despite their efforts to stop him, Al-Arab went on, shaking hands with jubilant graduation officials before halting mid-stage, with the baby in his arms, as the audience erupted in cheers. The video also depicts Al-Arab being escorted off the stage by a police officer.
The university issued a statement to NBC News, emphasizing that the police were not called to the event but were already present as part of standard safety protocol. The statement continued, explaining that officers had clearly communicated the rules to Al-Arab during the ceremony, as shown in the video. However, Al-Arab disregarded multiple instructions from event staff and University at Buffalo police, ran away from officers, and violated the commencement rules by bringing an infant onto the stage at Alumni Arena, according to the school's release.
These rules, explained by the university, are designed to ensure safety and prevent disruptions during the ceremony, while only graduating students are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, including the procession and crossing the stage.
In the TikTok video, Al-Arab stated that he inquired if he could walk with his baby during a commencement preparation class and was told it would be "fine." However, when it came time for the actual ceremony, Al-Arab said the guidance changed, and officials stopped him.
"They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because of all of you who cheered and supported me - so thank you," Al-Arab concluded in the video. In the caption, he described his demanding schedule, working two jobs while attending school full-time and caring for his son during the day until his mother returns from work. "And here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side," he wrote. "WE DID IT!"
Despite the violation, Al-Arab was not penalized and will still receive his degree, the university stated. Notably, the infant, though dressed in a cap and gown, has not yet accumulated the necessary credits to earn a diploma. The university expressed hope that the infant would return to the stage in about 20 years to follow in his father's footsteps.
- In spite of disrupting the University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony by bringing his infant onto the stage, Jean-Paul Al-Arab was not penalized and will still receive his degree.
- While the video footage of the incident shows Al-Arab's infant dressed in a cap and gown, it is important to note that the infant has not yet accumulated the necessary credits to earn a diploma, as education and self-development are crucial aspects for the infant's future.
