A University at Buffalo graduate made headlines and sparked widespread online reaction after dodging security to carry his infant son across the stage during his commencement ceremony.
Jean Paul Al Arab, a criminology graduate, defied university policy at UB’s May 18 event by bringing his baby on stage, prompting cheers from the crowd and a pursuit by campus staff and police already present, the Daily Mail reported.
Organizers intended the ceremony, held for spring 2025 graduates, to be a traditional affair—until Al Arab, dressed in his cap and gown, carried out a nontraditional plan. Determined to fulfill a promise to walk with his young son, he rushed across the stage despite efforts by security and staff to stop him.
University officials had previously denied his request, citing rules posted online that limit stage access to graduates only. Al Arab asked during a pre-ceremony session if he could walk with his son and recalled someone telling him, “No one’s gonna tell you no.”
Still, on the day of the event, staff informed him that the infant could not join him on stage because of safety concerns. "They said it was a safety hazard," Al Arab told local outlet WGRZ. "They don't want the baby onstage."
Refusing to step down, Al Arab made a spontaneous decision. “I won’t walk then. I won’t be walking... And I ran, that’s what I did,” he said. “I had to. I promised him I was gonna walk with him on stage." He added that running was the only way to keep his word.
His son wore a matching miniature blue gown and cap, and the thousands in attendance warmly applauded once the pair reached center stage. Al Arab fist-bumped the air after receiving his diploma, a gesture that resonated with the supportive crowd.
Video of the incident quickly circulated online, especially on TikTok, where Al Arab posted several clips that together brought in more than six million views. Supporters praised the father’s dedication and the touching symbolic moment.
In one TikTok caption, Al Arab wrote, “Here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side... WE DID IT!” Another explained his reasoning, stating that he had received informal approval earlier in the semester and was only stopped when the ceremony began.
"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,” he wrote. The attention and applause from attendees appeared to compel officials to let the moment play out.
Despite appearances, the university clarified that it had not specially summoned the police in response to the incident. Officers were already present as part of routine security for such events, and they did not physically detain or remove anyone.
A spokesperson for the University at Buffalo noted that Al Arab’s actions violated official protocol. “While the situation created a light-hearted moment... the graduate's actions were a violation of commencement rules,” the university said in a statement to People.
UB added a playful note, addressing the infant’s participation: "The infant, despite crossing the stage in a cap and gown, has not yet earned enough credits to receive a diploma." They added, “We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
Al Arab later emailed an apology to the ceremony officials. The university confirmed that he would still receive his diploma and would not face further penalties stemming from the event.
Despite the confrontation, Al Arab maintained positive feelings toward his school. “I have nothing against UB… I love UB. I graduated from UB, I’m getting my master’s at UB,” he told WGRZ. “It’s a great college. I love my professors—everyone.”
Al Arab, who described himself in a TikTok post as a full-time student working two jobs, said he takes care of his son during the day while the child’s mother works. He said they intended the moment across the stage to honor that shared journey.
“I'm a full-time student, working two jobs—one of them overnight—and taking care of my son during the day until his mom gets home from work,” he shared online, giving followers a deeper view into his motivation and resilience.
