The University of Buffalo has released a lengthy statement after a student defied protocol by running on stage with his son to accept a diploma after making him an unbreakable vow.
Jean Paul Al Arab is the internet’s latest viral star, having found fame following his graduation ceremony at UB last weekend.
A video circulating across Instagram and TikTok sees the student storming the formalities wearing matching caps and gowns with his child, who was actually forbidden from appearing on stage.
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Weaving around guards employed to police at the event, Al Arab - who had his son in his arms - was chased across the stage as he picked up his diploma in Criminology from school officials
After shaking hands with the school administrators, the bachelor’s degree holder was greeted off stage by several officers working in the event space.
The New York Post reports that the crowd and other graduates inside the University’s Alumni Arena could be heard booing at the law enforcement response.
The hilarious incident has spread like wildfire online, making national headlines. And now the new graduate is speaking out and setting the record straight.
Speaking about the decision to bring his son on stage with him, Al Rab said he’d previously been given the all-clear in the previous semester.
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“They said: ‘Yeah, it’s okay. Nobody is going to tell you no.’”
However, he claims this statement was later retracted, with officials labeling it a ‘safety hazard’.
As per legislation, only University of Buffalo students can cross the stage during the graduation ceremony, meaning Al Arab’s child was technically prohibited from appearing.
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Upon hearing his infant wouldn’t be able to share his special moment, he got creative ahead of the UB College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate commencement.
“I won’t walk then,” he told the NBC-affiliated outlet, WGRZ. “I won’t be walking. I ran… I promised him I was going to walk with him on stage or run with him on the stage.”
Speaking about the viral incident on TikTok, he said: “When the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police.
“They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because all of you who cheered and supported me.”
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Following the event, which saw the proud father defying educators to nab his diploma, the school has had its say.
“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,” a statement read.
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The perpetrator, who has made it clear he ‘loves’ the University and everyone who works there, was informed that despite crossing the stage, his son will not receive a diploma.
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“The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma,” the school added.
“We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
They went on to confirm John Paul had since apologized for the disruption via email and that he would not be penalized any further for the rule infringement.
Moreover, the current Master’s student will still receive his bachelor’s degree, which he earned back in 2024.
Topics: Education, School, US News, Viral, Instagram, TikTok
Ella Scott