Banner Calling On Harvard to Divest Quickly Removed From Sever

A white banner bearing the message “Harvard Divest from Genocide in Gaza” in red and black lettering was unfurled from the second floor of Sever Hall. At least three Harvard administrators promptly entered the building, scouring through the second floor to locate the room from which it was displayed.

While the banner was taken down minutes after it was unfurled by a Harvard University Police Department officer, the Harvard administrators were seemingly unable to find the individuals who had unfurled the banners.

Graduates turn to observe the banner. By Elyse C. Goncalves

The banner went largely unnoticed by the crowd, overshadowed by the presentation of degree candidates by Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra. But close to one dozen students who were seated close to Sever Hall, many from the Law School, looked up to take photos.

—Staff writer Dhruv T. Patel can be reached at dhruv.patel@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @dhruvtkpatel.

—Staff writer Grace E. Yoon can be reached at grace.yoon@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @graceunkyoon.