Acting President Claire Shipman said attacks on institutions of learning are tantamount to attacks on American democracy.

Mohsen Mahdawi, another pro-Palestinian student who had been detained, walked across the stage to a standing ovation from the crowd.

Some newly minted grads torched their diplomas in protest, loudly booing, chanting and brandishing signs denouncing Israel.

Students and activists in the Palestine solidarity movement protested Columbia University’s graduation on Wednesday, with some demonstrators just off-campus burning or tearing up diplomas.

The head of Columbia University alluded to the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during a commencement speech Wednesday that drew loud boos and chants of “free Palestine” from graduating students.

Acting President Shipman visited labs across disciplines that are advancing bold solutions to today’s most urgent challenges.