Istanbul High School Graduation Canceled After Students Protest Principal

Graduation ceremonies at Istanbul's prestigious Istanbul Erkek Lisesi were disrupted by student protests against the school principal, Hikmet Konar. During the event, students took to the stage, turned their backs to Konar, and began singing the school anthem. The principal's speech was met with whistles and jeers from the attendees.

The protests continued even as diplomas and awards were being presented. According to reports, after the top-ranked student received their diploma, Principal Konar announced the ceremony's end, stating, "The ceremony is over. Pack everything up." He unilaterally ended the graduation event.

Following the cancellation and the removal of sound equipment from the school grounds, students took matters into their own hands. They organized an alternative graduation ceremony in the schoolyard. Graduates received symbolic diplomas from their fellow students instead of school officials and took photos with their families.

The situation also drew a reaction from the Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education, Murat Mücahit Yentür, who attended the ceremony. Reports indicate a verbal altercation occurred between Yentür and some parents, with the director allegedly gesturing with his finger towards the parents, which also drew criticism. The events, including the protest and the abrupt cancellation of the ceremony, have sparked widespread discussion within educational circles and on social media.

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The ceremony is over. Pack everything up.