Overview
- Jean-Paul Al-Arab ran onto the University at Buffalo commencement stage holding his infant son, breaking a policy that only graduates may cross the stage.
- University security and UB Police attempted to stop Al-Arab during the ceremony, but he successfully crossed the stage to cheers from the audience.
- A video of the incident, posted by Al-Arab on TikTok, has gone viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and sparking widespread online discussion.
- The university confirmed that Al-Arab will still receive his Bachelor of Arts degree despite the rule violation, while reiterating its safety-focused stage policy.
- Al-Arab, a full-time student, employee, and father, stated he made a promise to walk the stage with his son, highlighting the challenges faced by student parents.