New York University is refusing to issue a diploma to a student who delivered a controversial commencement speech in which he referred to the situation in Gaza as a “genocide” — a statement that drew sharp condemnation from lawmakers and university officials alike.
Logan Rozos, who was selected to speak at the NYU Gallatin School’s graduation ceremony, used the opportunity to criticize U.S. involvement in the Israel-Hamas war. According to NYU, his remarks went against clear guidelines set for the event.
“The only thing that is appropriate to say in this time, and to a group this large, is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,” Rozos told the audience at the Beacon Theatre, prompting a round of applause, as seen in video footage circulated online.
“I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars,” he added, as the crowd continued clapping.
“I just want to say I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide,” Rozos said, as his graduation cap slipped from his head during the speech.
University officials quickly issued a public statement rebuking Rozos for using the commencement platform to push what they called a “personal and one-sided political view,” and accused him of being dishonest about the content of his speech.
“NYU strongly denounces the choice by a student at the Gallatin School’s graduation today at Gallatin School’s graduation today,” said John Beckman, the university’s senior vice president for public affairs and strategic communications.
“He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules. The University is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary actions,” Beckman said.
The backlash extended beyond the university. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) lambasted Rozos in a Thursday night appearance on CNN, saying the student had misled both the university and the audience.
“He lied to the university. Second of all, he lied to everyone listening. There’s no genocide going on in Israel. There is a war, it’s unfortunate,” Moskowitz stated, according to The Hill.
“But at the end of the day, that’s up to the university whether they give him his diploma or not,” he continued.
“You know, in fact, they can give him his diploma, it’s not going to matter. Good luck getting a job. That was a stupid, selfish thing — ruined the ceremony for a lot of families,” Moskowitz added.
NYU has not confirmed whether Rozos will ultimately receive his diploma, but officials made clear that additional disciplinary measures may still be on the table.
“NYU is deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks and that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him,” Beckman said.
{Matzav.com}