Rutgers cancels graduation speech over speaker’s pro-Palestinian posts
Summary
Rutgers University canceled a graduation speech by alumnus Rami Elghandour after some students complained about his social media posts supporting Palestine. The university said the decision was made to keep the focus on graduating students and avoid conflicts at the event.Key Facts
- Rami Elghandour, a Rutgers engineering graduate and tech entrepreneur, was invited to give a graduation speech on May 15.
- The invitation was canceled after some students expressed concerns about Elghandour’s pro-Palestinian posts on social media.
- Rutgers’ engineering dean told Elghandour the cancellation was due to students’ objections to his beliefs.
- Elghandour is also executive producer of an Oscar-nominated film about a Palestinian girl killed by the Israeli military.
- The university said this decision was made so no student has to choose between attending the ceremony and their personal beliefs.
- Other universities have also limited or banned certain speeches at graduation due to controversies over pro-Palestinian statements.
- Some protests and walkouts have occurred at graduation events nationwide over related issues in 2024.
- Elghandour is the CEO of a biotechnology company and actively shares his views on Palestinian rights on social media.
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