CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — America’s oldest and wealthiest school, Harvard University, held its commencement Thursday. The ceremony, attended by thousands of people, came as the university takes the lead on defying the White House in federal court to defend higher education.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Hall of Fame center and honorary degree recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is welcomed at Harvard Yard during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Yurong “Luanna” Jiang addresses classmates during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Students walk through Harvard Yard during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Thor Reimann addresses graduates during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Graduating students attend commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Graduates wave Palestinian flags during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Actress and honorary degree recipient Rita Moreno reacts during her introduction during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Graduating students applaud during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Guests for Harvard’s commencement walk past protesters outside Harvard yard prior to commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Harvard President Alan Garber acknowledges an extended round of applause during Harvard University’s commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Students cheer during Harvard University’s commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Two graduates wave Palestinian flags during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Students cross into Harvard yard passing protesters as Harvard University holds its commencement, Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Students celebrate during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Graduating students walk through Harvard Yard during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)