A standard graduation at a university in New York abruptly turned into a daring police chase after one of the graduates brought something prohibited on stage. The contraband? His baby. And it turns out that such a “threat” warranted police intervention because the graduating dad caught the attention of the boys in blue.
The incident happened at the University at Buffalo, New York, back on their May 18 commencement ceremony. Jean-Paul Al-Arab, a working student and dad, actually asked for permission to walk on the stage with his baby before the official ceremony– and according to him, it was “fine”.
Come the time for Al-Arab to walk on stage, the rules somehow changed as the university staff and even police officers (who were present as part of safety protocols) called on the graduating dad to step off. Al-Arab, however, ignored them and even had to run to the stage to collect his diploma– baby in his arms. He succeeded. Here’s a short clip of the incident:
However, the police had to escort him off the stage for breaking the directive and university rules. In the university’s defense, the commencement rules were clear, and only students were allowed on stage.
“Only graduating students may participate in the graduation ceremony, including walking in the processional and crossing the stage,” according to University at Buffalo.
Turns out, even babies were illegal to be on the stage, even if they’re accompanied by their parents. None of that stopped Al-Arab from claiming his glory and worthy rewards. The working student dad apparently had two full-time jobs while studying and still managed to take care of his kid.
What Became of Al-Arab?
Thankfully, Al-Arab was not arrested since the other students at the commencement ceremony cheered for him. He did, however, apologize to the school for his actions during the graduation, and thankfully, the school has decided not to penalize the graduate dad and his baby.
Still, the University at Buffalo reiterated that commencement ceremony rules are to be strictly followed. In their statement, they also mentioned the following as to why Al-Arab’s baby was not allowed:
“The graduate who broke the rules on Sunday will not be penalized and will still receive his degree from the university. The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma. We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dadโs footsteps,” according to the University at Buffalo.
No one was hurt in the incident, and all is well for Al-Arab, his baby, and everyone at the University at Buffalo. Still, some folks online questioned the rigidity of the police at the scene. In hindsight, a baby isn’t exactly a big threat at a graduation ceremony. And while the whole event turned into a light-hearted memory, some probably believed it could’ve gone worse quite easily.
“That was a bit much for the police to chase him. They should be the ones apologizing to him,” says AngryPanda_79
“‘Drop your baby !'” jokes rd_rd_rd
“I’m trying to picture in my mind if there was a pre-briefing with police and they said not to allow anyone on the stage, but the graduates. So, that would include 6 month old babies to small minds,” rationalizes CosmicChanges
