By Jake Offenhartz
New York (AP) – New York University said that it would degree a student a student who used a graduation speech to condemn Israel’s attacks on the Palestinians and what he described as us “complicity in this genocide”.
Logan Rozos’ speech Wednesday for students graduates from the Gallatin school in Nyu sparked waves of condemnation of pro-Israeli groups, which asked the University to take aggressive disciplinary measures against him.
In a statement, Nyu spokesman John Beckman apologized for the speech and accused the student of having abused his platform “to express his personal and unilateral political opinions”.
“He lied about the speech he was going to pronounce and violate the commitment he made to respect our rules,” added Beckman. “The university retains its diploma while we are pursuing disciplinary measures.”
Universities across the country faced enormous pressure to repress the reductions in pro-Palestinian speeches or the risk of reducing the administration of President Donald Trump, who assimilated Israel’s criticism to anti-Semitism.
But Nyu, who is assisted by Trump’s son Barron, has greatly avoided the president’s anger so far.
Rozos, an actor and member of the Gallatin theater troupe, was selected by his student colleagues to give the address of the liberal art program. He said he felt a moral and political obligation to speak to the public about what he called atrocities in Palestine.
“The genocide that occurs is currently supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid by our taxes and has been broadcast live on our phones in the last 18 months,” he said.
The speech attracted strong crowds, as well as a standing ovation of certain graduate students.
But as the video of the speech spread online, it was strongly denounced by pro-Israeli groups, which accused Nyu of creating a dangerous environment for Jewish students.
“No student – in particular Jewish students – should have to sit through a politicized rhetoric that promotes harmful lies in Israel in such a personal stage,” the anti -diaiffing league said in a statement.
The #Endjewhated group suggested that the speech – which did not mention the Jewish people – would respond to the newly expanded definition of the University of Anti -Semitism, which includes certain criticisms of Israel.
An email request to Rozos was not returned.
While pro-Palestinian gatherings went around the campuses across the country last spring, the season at the start of 2024 was marked by tensions and cancellations, and strict limits on what students could say.
With billions of dollars in risk funding from the Trump administration, universities are even higher this year, some teachers said.
“They lean back to repress the discourse that goes against what the current administration in Washington adopts,” said Andrew Ross, professor of social and cultural analysis in Nyu.
“Me and many of my colleagues are frankly dismayed by the decision which is made to refuse a student speaker his diploma,” added Ross. “It is a very good example of an administration that falls on work.”
Originally published:
California Daily Newspapers
