Jean Paul Al Arab, a criminology student at the University at Buffalo, went viral after sharing a TikTok video of the dramatic moment he dashed across the graduation stage on 18 May, his baby boy in one arm and police hot on his heels. The little one, dressed in a matching blue cap and gown, was right there with him as he collected his diploma and raised his fist in triumph to the sound of cheers from the crowd.
In his caption, Al Arab explained the backstory: “I’m a full-time student, working two jobs—one of them overnight—and taking care of my son during the day until his mum gets home from work. And here I am, graduating, with my boy by my side. WE DID IT!”
He went on to clarify in text over the video that he’d previously been told it was fine to walk with his child during the ceremony, but when the time came, things took an unexpected turn. “They tried to stop me and even called the police,” he wrote. “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.”
The university, however, said things weren’t quite as dramatic as they looked. In a statement to PEOPLE, the University at Buffalo clarified that police weren’t specifically called to remove him. Officers were already present at the event as part of standard security and were simply there to help enforce ceremony rules.
Still, the moment lit up social media, especially as the video was soundtracked with a clip of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime performance. Many viewers cheered on the emotional moment, praising Al Arab’s determination to honour his commitment to his son, even if it meant bending a few rules.
Al Arab, reflecting on the scene in an interview with WGRZ, said officials had told him it was a safety issue. “They said it was a safety hazard. They don’t want the baby onstage,” he said. But for him, backing down wasn’t an option. “I won’t walk then. I won’t be walking,” he said, before deciding, “And I ran, that’s what I did. I had to. I promised him I was gonna walk with him on the stage.”
The university acknowledged that while the moment was “light-hearted” for many in attendance, Al Arab had broken commencement protocol. “Only graduating students may participate in the graduation ceremony, including walking in the processional and crossing the stage,” they stated.
Still, the university confirmed that Al Arab later apologised by email, and he won’t face any penalties. He will officially receive his degree, though his young son, despite his miniature gown, hasn’t quite earned enough credits just yet.
“We hope to see him back on stage in about 20 years so he can follow in his dad’s footsteps,” the statement joked.