Columbia University students RIP UP diplomas on stage during commencement while wearing zip ties and holding Palestine flags

Graduating students donned handcuffs, displayed Palestinian flags and tore up diplomas during a graduation ceremony at embattled Columbia University.

Friday's commencement came on the heels of weeks of clashes between pro-Palestine protestors, administrators and law enforcement.

Despite the controversy, some students maintained the fighting spirit. One social work graduate crossed the stage with hands zip-tied above her head as cheers sounded from the audience.

As a livestream of the event rolled, she turned to face the crowd and abruptly tore up her diploma.

The university announced that it would be cancelling its main commencement last Monday, citing safety concerns. Dozens of smaller ceremonies will be held in its place.

The first two ceremonies for the School of Professional Studies went off without a hitch Friday morning and afternoon.

But the graduation for the School of Social Work sparked conversation as protestors began to file across the stage at the Baker Athletics Complex.

Several students sported keffiyeh scarves, which have become closely associated with the Palestinian liberation movement. 

Two girls brandished 'Free Palestine' signs as they received their diplomas. Another student carried a flag emblazoned with the slogan 'Divest Now,' a call for the university to pull its economic and academic stakes from Israel. 

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine posted a clip of the ceremony to Instagram, accompanied by a caption proclaiming, 'The students reminding us all of Palestine at EVERY SINGLE GRADUATION.'

Also uploaded to the account was a photo of a student's graduation cap, which bore the words, 'Acknowledge the Class of 2024 of Gaza and those who will never graduate.'