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.”
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.
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.”
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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.
