What started as a proud father’s symbolic gesture ended with cheers, confusion, and a clip that’s now taken over TikTok.
Jean Paul Al Arab wasn’t just crossing the graduation stage at the University at Buffalo to accept his diploma—he was fulfilling a heartfelt promise to his son.
But instead of just smiles and applause, the emotional moment spiraled into a chase involving university police and event staff, as Al Arab refused to leave his infant son behind.
A Special Promise Made During Graduation Prep
Al Arab, who was earning his bachelor’s degree in criminology, had asked during a prep session if he could walk with his baby boy.
The response at the time, according to him, was something along the lines of “no one’s gonna tell you no.”
For the young dad, that meant he had the green light.
So on May 18, when the big day arrived, Al Arab suited up his little one in a matching cap and gown, ready for a shared memory neither of them would forget.
Told to Stop at the Last Moment
Just as he prepared to step onto the stage, things took a turn.
Event staff stepped in, telling him the university’s policy only allowed graduates to cross the stage.
“They said it was a safety hazard,” Al Arab told WGRZ News. “They don’t want the baby onstage.”
But for Al Arab, walking with his son wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was a promise.
And he wasn’t about to break it.
The Dash That Made the Internet Cheer
Faced with a difficult choice, Al Arab decided to act. “I won’t walk then,” he told staff.
“And I ran. That’s what I did.”
Video from the moment shows him sprinting across the stage with his baby in tow, as security tried to stop him.
Despite dropping his cap along the way, Al Arab made it—baby in arms—to center stage, where he shook hands with university officials, fist-bumped the air, and soaked in the cheers from a crowd clearly rooting for him.
The TikTok video quickly went viral, racking up more than six million views.
The Crowd Applauded, But the School Didn’t
While the audience was clearly touched by the father-son moment, the University at Buffalo didn’t quite share the sentiment.
In a statement provided to People, the school said Al Arab had ignored repeated instructions from both staff and police, violating their rules by bringing an infant onto the stage.
They added that the rules are listed clearly online: only graduating students can take part in the ceremony.
Still, they couldn’t help but take a playful jab, noting: “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.”
Al Arab’s Side of the Story
Al Arab later took to TikTok to explain what happened.
“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,” he wrote.
He emphasized that he had received verbal confirmation ahead of time that bringing his son would be fine.
“When the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police,” he said.
“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.”
Did Police Really Get Involved?
The University at Buffalo disputes part of Al Arab’s story.
According to them, police weren’t “called” in to stop him—they were already present at the event as part of standard commencement security.
Regardless of how things escalated, the moment caught the attention and emotions of thousands, with many applauding Al Arab for his determination to create a meaningful memory with his son.
Apology Accepted, Degree Still Secure
Despite the drama, there doesn’t appear to be any lasting punishment.
Al Arab reportedly sent an apology email to commencement officials the next day.
According to People, the university responded that he would still receive his degree and wouldn’t face any disciplinary action.
Looking Ahead: A Return to UB
The viral moment may have stirred some controversy, but Al Arab says there’s no bad blood.
In fact, he’s planning to return to the University at Buffalo to pursue his master’s degree.
“I have nothing against UB,” he told WGRZ. “I love UB. I graduated from UB.
I’m getting my master’s at UB. It’s a great college. I love my professors—everyone.”
A Memory That Will Last a Lifetime
In the end, this wasn’t just about a diploma or a viral video.
For Jean Paul Al Arab, it was about honoring a promise to his son and sharing a milestone that represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and love.
And now, thanks to the internet—and a determined dad—it’s a moment the world won’t forget anytime soon.