Video shows UB graduate who brought baby on stage chased by campus police
Share this @internewscast.com

A recent graduate from the University at Buffalo won’t face any consequences for carrying his infant son onto the stage during the commencement ceremony held on Sunday.

Jean Paul Al Arab became an internet sensation when a video showed him dashing across the stage at Alumni Arena with his son in tow, pursued by security and campus police.

“They mentioned in a preparatory class last semester that bringing a baby on stage was permissible. I specifically asked, and the response was, ‘Nobody will stop you from walking with a baby,” Al Arab told Nexstar’s WIVB. “I saw it as my final opportunity. It was either taking the step or missing out on walking after all those years of dedication.”

A video provided by the University at Buffalo shows Jean Paul Al Arab running toward the stage as security chases behind him. (University at Buffalo)

On Sunday, Al Arab went through with his plan. Video obtained by the University at Buffalo shows Al Arab scurrying toward the stage with his son (who is also wearing a cap and gown) while security and campus police chase after him. Once on the stage, Al Arab drops his graduation cap, but quickly retrieves it and proceeds to shake hands with schools administrators while a campus officer lingers not far behind.

The crowd erupts in cheers.

A video provided by the University at Buffalo shows Jean Paul Al Arab posing on stage with his son at Sunday’s commencement ceremony. (University at Buffalo)

Al Arab, who is Lebanese, moved to the US three years ago. He tells WIVB he works a full-time overnight job, but he’s also a full-time student studying for his master’s degree and a full-time dad to his nearly seven-month-old son Matnos.

“I promised myself and I promised him too that I would be walking with him on stage,” said Al Arab. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene or something, or disrespect anyone, but I have a lot of respect for UB, I love UB, I love all my professors.”

  • VIDEO: Terrifying moment truck explodes in suburban neighborhood

UB later explained that Al Arab’s actions amounted to a safety violation, but made light of the situation.

“While the situation created a light-hearted moment for the thousands in attendance who cheered on as the graduate took to the stage with the infant in his arms, the graduate’s actions were a violation of commencement rules,” UB said Wednesday. “Commencement rules are in place for the safety of all those in attendance and to avoid disruptions in the venue ensuring each graduate is equally provided with a well-deserved moment to individually cross the stage and be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments at UB.”

The school said that Al Arab would not face any repercussions for the incident, and that he will still receive his diploma.

The school also joked that Al Arab’s son still needs some college credits.

“The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma,” UB said. “We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad’s footsteps.”

Al Arab, who speaks three languages, is continuing his studies at the University at Buffalo as he works towards getting his Master’s Degree in Criminology.

“I’m very proud to be a UB graduate, and I’ll be proud of [my son] being a UB graduate too,” said Al Arab.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Supreme Court Approves Trump’s Proposal to Reduce Federal Workforce Size

WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for President…

New ‘Click-to-Cancel’ Rule to Simplify Subscription Cancellations Faces Setback

A “click-to-cancel” regulation, which aimed to ensure that businesses provide a straightforward…

Oklahoma City Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of 3-Year-Old

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A homicide investigation is underway following the death of…

Emergency Flash Floods Strike New Mexico Town Previously Ravaged by Wildfires

A New Mexico mountain town, affected by severe wildfires last year, experienced…

New Principal Announced for Beaufort Middle in Beaufort County School District

BEAUFORT, S.C. () — The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) named Beaufort…

DeSantis cautions Musk about third-party involvement

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) warned Monday that Elon Musk’s formation of…

Top Tips for Safely Purchasing a Child Car Seat

STATESBORO, Ga. () — The arrival of a newborn brings excitement, joy,…

Senate Committee Approves Susan Monarez as Trump’s Choice for CDC Director

The health committee of the U.S. Senate gave their approval on Wednesday…

Trump’s New Budget Allocates Billions for Deportations and Border Security

HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) — The new budget signed by President Trump…

Individual Charged with Child Sexual Assault at Colorado Water Park

Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be…

Beaufort County Residents Oppose Plan for New Immigration Task Force

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — More than 100 residents gathered at the…

Preliminary Approval Granted by Court in Carle Health Timekeeping Settlement

The Court has approved a plaintiff’s motion in a settlement case concerning…