The University of Michigan, where students have held pro-Palestine protests in recent days, has said it is committed to “free speech” and will allow protests at upcoming ceremonies, including commencement, but they must take place in “designated areas” to “limit disruptions”, Al Jazeera reports.

While the university said in a statement posted on its website that its officials “will generally be patient with lawful disruptions”, they will step in to “de-escalate” and address any interruptions that “significantly impede” ceremonies.

Flags and banners, it added, will not be permitted at the commencement events.