Video of a Young Father Chased by Police during Graduation Ceremony Sparked Buzz – What Happened

The recent UB graduate was keeping a promise he had made to himself and his son despite all odds. The university released a statement regarding the incident, and he, too, has spoken out.

Jean Paul Al Arab was part of the Class of 2025, waiting to receive his hard-earned diploma at the University of Buffalo's commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The moment was significant, as Arab had brought his six-month-old son to walk across the stage and proudly receive his qualification.

In a clip shared online, Arab is seen walking with his son, but he rushes through the procession as campus police and security personnel chase after them.

Although he appeared visibly frazzled as his and his child's graduation caps fell off, he quickly picked them up, shook hands with one of the university officials, and hurried down the stairs with a police officer in tow. The moment still drew wild cheers from the audience

Shortly after, Arab addressed the viral moment with a TikTok video. He explained that during the preparatory class for the ceremony, he had asked if he could walk with his baby, and they told him, "it was fine."

"But when the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police," he said. "They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because of all of you who cheered and supported me—so thank you."

Viewers flooded his comments section with even more messages of support. "Crazy for them to try to ruin your moment!! They did way too much!!" one person noted.

"Don't the police have MUCH better things to do than chase a Dad across a stage and endanger his babe? Congratulations, you amazing Dad!!! We were cheering you on, loud and clear!!!" another wrote.

"You deserve a standing ovation. Your hard work and determination will pay off. Good job, Dad. Not many can accomplish what you have - job, school, wife, and kids!?!?!! You're the best," a commenter praised the young Lebanese native.

"I hope you sue them for endangering your son and causing unnecessary trauma. If HARVARD let's people walk with babies. This university needs to stop. I hope you fleece their legal fund DRY! Ain't No way that wasn't racially motivated [sic]!" a commenter added.

The following week, on Wednesday, May 21, the University of Buffalo published a statement addressing the matter, saying that Arab had broken commencement rules by bringing an infant onstage at the Alumni Arena.

The university acknowledged that "the situation created a light-hearted moment for the thousands in attendance who cheered on," but maintained that Arab's actions "were a violation of commencement rules."

The statement quotes one specific rule, which says, "Only graduating students may participate in the graduation ceremony, including walking in the processional and crossing the stage."

Following the incident, the school revealed that Arab apologized to the commencement officials for the disruption via email. UB then emphasized that "commencement rules were in place for the safety of all those in attendance and to avoid disruptions in the venue."

The institution also assured that Arab wouldn't be penalized and would still receive his degree. The statement then concluded on a light-hearted note: "The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma. We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad's footsteps."

In an interview with People published this Saturday, on May 24, Arab spoke about the viral moment and also shared his story.

In addition to studying a full-time course, Arab also juggles two jobs—as a remote medical assistant and waiter—alongside his at-home and parenting responsibilities. Much of his free time is dedicated to catching up on assignments and spending time with his family.

He moved from Lebanon to Buffalo, New York, in 2022. He had previously earned a degree in his home country and was able to transfer his credits and complete the remaining requirements at UB within a year.

He finished his Bachelor's in Criminology in December 2024, which he accepted on May 18. He then began his master's program this spring.

Speaking about walking with his son at the commencement ceremony, he said, "That moment on stage meant everything to me." Arab shared that it was symbolic and represented all the sleepless nights he endured and every sacrifice he made.

Still, he wondered, "The big question that's been on my mind throughout all of this is: why is it such a big deal for a father to walk with his baby?"

Although the university said Arab had ignored multiple directives from officers when his turn came, the 25-year-old maintained that he had received the go-ahead to bring his son onstage prior to the ceremony. Therefore, he saw no reason to double-check.

"I've seen others walk with their pets or babies at graduations before–even at other colleges–so it didn't seem like a big deal. That's why I was surprised when they tried to stop me and even involved the campus police," he admitted.

Despite his initial shock, Arab isn't expecting any apologies from the school or the police, as he understood everyone involved was simply doing their jobs.

Still, he hoped that his moment would lead to a change in policy that would allow dedicated parents to accept their qualifications alongside their children. In the meantime, he has started a GoFundMe campaign to support UB parents like himself.

He intends to raise $100,000 and is working with UB's Department of Sociology and Criminology to ensure the funds land in the right hands.