Metal Detectors Guard Ceremonies

When 32,000 students, parents, faculty and alums make their way into Tercentenary Theatre today, they will have to pass through metal detectors and have their bags searched.

Commencement-goers will face heightened security this year, a statement from the University warned them yesterday. Harvard advised attendees that the measures were only a “precaution” and requested their “patience and understanding.”

“Guests are encouraged to arrive early with tickets and should not bring any unnecessary bags or backpacks,” the University advised.

Security at Commencement is normally tight—it is a joint effort of the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD), the Cambridge police, deputy sheriffs and state police officers—although this is the first year that metal detectors will be used.

“It’s a little bit more security than usual,” said University Marshal Richard M. Hunt. “Certainly after Sept. 11, we want to take precautions at any large gathering.”

Hunt did not say whether the increased security was related to the controversy surrounding the Commencement speech of Zayed M. Yasin ’02, which had drawn criticism for its original title “American Jihad.” Yasin changed the title last week to “Of Faith and Citizenship” and relegated the contentious word to a subtitle that will not appear in today’s Commencement program.

HUPD spokesperson Steven G. Catalano would not discuss today’s security precautions.

Class Marshal Nicholas N. Lau ’02 said the measures will make a long waiting process—lines to enter the Yard usually start forming at 5 a.m. for its 7:45 a.m. opening—even longer.

“I think the motives behind them are genuine and well-intentioned, but I think having metal detectors will slow things down,” Lau said. “Traditionally, it’s a tedious process and a mad dash.”

He added he did not believe the extra security would be an effective deterrent.

“I’m of the school of thought that if someone is determined enough to do something, they’ll get it done,” he said.

Hunt said he hopes that the increase in security “doesn’t interfere with the ease of people entering to enjoy Commencement.”

He said he did not know how much the extra security would cost.

—Staff writer Jenifer L. Steinhardt can be reached steinhar@fas.harvard.edu.