Jerry Seinfeld acquired an honorary diploma at Duke College’s graduation on Sunday, however earlier than he might start his speech, the comic was met with scholar walkouts.

In response to the New York Instances, dozens of scholars left the commencement ceremony and chanted “Free, free Palestine” in protest of Seinfeld, who has been vocal about his assist of Israel. Others within the crowd responded to the protesters with applause and cheers of approval for Seinfeld, who started his speech with, “Thanks. Oh my God, what an exquisite day.”

Although Seinfeld didn’t tackle the walkouts immediately, he hinted on the tradition of political correctness in his recommendation to the graduates. “I completely admire the ambitions of your era to create a extra simply and inclusive society. I believe it’s also great that you simply care a lot about not hurting different folks’s emotions within the million and one methods all of us do that each second of every single day,” Seinfeld mentioned. “It’s beautiful to wish to repair these issues, however — all caps, however — what I have to inform you as a comic, don’t lose your humorousness. You’ll be able to don’t know at this level in your life how a lot you’re going to want it to get by.”

As reported by the Instances, exterior the stadium the place the commencement was held, the scholars who walked out held a makeshift commencement ceremony and have been joined by some school and relations. “Disclose, divest, we won’t cease, we won’t relaxation,” they continued to chant.

Along with posting about his assist of Israel on social media, in December Seinfeld made a visit to Tel Aviv to satisfy with households of the hostages taken throughout Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault. Earlier this month, his spouse, Jessica Seinfeld, promoted on Instagram a UCLA counterprotest to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations which were happening at universities throughout the nation.

Representatives for Seinfeld declined to touch upon the matter.