As Columbia University prepares to hold its commencement Wednesday, one student is ending her protest of the university's handling of her sexual assault complaint.

Emma Sulkowicz has carried a mattress around campus all year, emerging as a key figure in the national debate over how schools address sexual assault.

At a ceremony for seniors Tuesday, Sulkowicz brought her mattress on stage, marking an end to her year-long protest that was also part of an art project. The ceremony wasn't without some drama. As the New York Times reports, Columbia President Lee Bollinger turned his back to her as she walked on stage. A university spokeswoman told the Times no snub was intended.

"It's been a very dramatic statement," said Times reporter Kate Taylor, who was at the ceremony. "People on campus and elsewhere have responded differently, I think she's gotten a fair amount of hostility online but she's also gotten a lot of support from friends on campus and others outside."

Paul Nungesser, the man Sulkowicz accused of raping her, was cleared of any responsibility by the university. He was also at Tuesday's ceremony.

Kate Taylor spoke with WNYC's Soterios Johnson.