University of Buffalo Graduate Chased by Police After Bringing Baby on Stage at Commencement Ceremony (video)

University of Buffalo grad chased by police as he runs across stage holding his baby

Buffalo, NY — A heartwarming yet chaotic scene unfolded during the University of Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony on Sunday when graduate Jean-Paul Al-Arab ran across the stage holding his baby, defying university protocol and sparking a brief chase by campus police.

Video footage from the ceremony shows Al-Arab cutting the line of graduates and sprinting onstage from backstage while carrying his infant son, who was dressed in a miniature royal blue cap and gown to match his father. The emotional moment, met with cheers and applause from the audience, was short-lived as at least two police officers and two university staff members pursued him across the stage.

Despite the pursuit, Al-Arab managed to shake hands with graduation officials and pause mid-stage with his child in his arms, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd. He was subsequently escorted offstage by an officer.

According to the University of Buffalo, no emergency call was made during the event. The police officers present were part of standard security measures in place for large gatherings. The university noted that Al-Arab had been clearly informed of the rules prior to the event, as seen in the video.

A statement released by the university indicated that Al-Arab disregarded repeated instructions from event staff and campus police, violating commencement regulations that stipulate only graduating students are permitted to walk across the stage. These policies are intended to maintain the safety and flow of the ceremony.

However, Al-Arab later shared his side of the story in a TikTok video, where he claimed he had asked during a commencement prep session whether he could walk with his baby and was told it would be allowed. He said that when the moment came, university staff suddenly stopped him and tried to escort him out.

“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,” he said in the video.

In the caption, Al-Arab offered insight into his life as a full-time student working two jobs, including an overnight shift, while raising his son during the day until the child’s mother returns home from work.

"And here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side," he wrote. "WE DID IT!"

The University of Buffalo confirmed that Al-Arab later sent an apology email to commencement officials. He will face no disciplinary action and will still receive his diploma.

In a lighthearted comment, the university added, “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.”

University of Buffalo grad chased by police as he runs across stage holding his baby