NEW YORK: New York University has withheld the diploma of a graduating senior after he used his commencement speech to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticize US support, igniting a heated debate on free speech on campus.
Logan Rozos, chosen by his peers to deliver the student address at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, called Israel’s assault on Gaza “genocide” and denounced America’s military and financial backing during the graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
“As I search my heart today… the only appropriate message is to recognize the atrocities happening in Palestine,” Rozos said, receiving applause from many attendees, including some faculty members on stage.
Rozos, who studied Cultural Criticism and Political Economy, argued that the violence in Gaza is “politically and militarily supported by the United States and paid for by our tax dollars.”
However, NYU’s administration quickly condemned the speech. Spokesperson John Beckman accused Rozos of violating an agreement to follow speech guidelines and misrepresenting his speech content.
“The student speaker lied about the speech he was going to deliver and broke the commitment to comply with our rules,” Beckman said. “The university is withholding his diploma while pursuing disciplinary measures.”
Beckman also expressed regret that the graduation was “hijacked” by what he called a “political diatribe” and apologized to the audience for the remarks.
Rozos has not publicly responded, but supporters note that Gallatin’s tradition encourages students to speak freely at commencement.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions across US campuses over the Israel-Palestine conflict. In 2024, NYU reportedly handled over 180 conduct cases related to pro-Palestinian protests, including arrests during demonstrations.
Reactions remain divided. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) criticized Rozos’ remarks as “divisive and false” and supported NYU’s actions.
Conversely, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) defended Rozos, calling the speech a “pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide commencement address” and demanded the immediate release of his diploma.
“Punishing students for standing against genocide betrays American freedoms and values,” CAIR stated.
As the debate grows, NYU’s decision is seen by many as a critical test of free speech limits in universities amid global crises.