Current:Home > FinanceXavier University cancels UN ambassador’s commencement speech after student outcry -Quantum Capital Pro
Xavier University cancels UN ambassador’s commencement speech after student outcry
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:26:50
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Xavier University of Louisiana has reversed course and canceled Saturday’s planned commencement address by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield after news of her appearance sparked outrage among some students.
University President Reynold Verret announced the decision in an email Wednesday to faculty, staff and students.
“Everyone’s goal is to have a commencement ceremony that appropriately honors the graduates and their achievements,” Verret wrote. “The vast majority of students want to be able to enjoy a commencement ceremony free of disruptions. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the commencement speaker as originally planned.”
Students were outraged over Thomas-Greenfield’s invitation to speak because of their opposition to the past positions by the U.S. on the war in Gaza. Before presenting a March resolution to the U.N.’s Security Council that called for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza,” the U.S. vetoed three other cease-fire resolutions proposed by other countries.
In explaining one veto, Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. could not support cease-fire resolutions that do not mention Israel’s right to self-defense; in explaining another, she said the U.S. could not support a cease-fire until Hamas freed hostages it took during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Verret called the cancellation a “regrettable conclusion” and said the decision was made in partnership with the ambassador.
Thomas-Greenfield did not comment on the decision. She faced similar backlash at the University of Vermont, where she was set to deliver the commencement address May 19. Pro-Palestinian student protesters called for the school to cancel her speech, citing the vetoed cease-fire resolutions. The school announced Friday that she would not be speaking.
Xavier Student Government Association President Chase Patterson, who had written a letter to administrators calling on them to reconsider their commencement choice, applauded Verret’s decision to listen to their concerns.
“We are grateful that President Verret actually listened to our call,” Patterson told The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. “This does make me optimistic that students will continue to support us and we will continue to support them and that the administration will continue to listen to us.”
Though many students and others spoke out against the invitation, Verret said many still believe that Thomas-Greenfield’s contribution to the ceremony would have been meaningful, the newspaper reported.
“We look forward to welcoming the ambassador to campus in the future to engage with our students and faculty in substantive conversations,” he said.
The graduation ceremony is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at the university’s Convocation Center. Verret did not say whether there will be a new speaker to fill Thomas-Greenfield’s spot.
veryGood! (4372)
Related
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant's Dad, Dies From Stroke 4 Years After Son's Fatal Plane Crash
- Biden orders Secret Service protection for RFK Jr. following Trump assassination attempt
- Top 55 Deals on Summer Beauty Staples for Prime Day 2024: Solve the Heatwave Woes with Goop, COSRX & More
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Joe Bryant, Kobe Bryant's Dad, Dies From Stroke 4 Years After Son's Fatal Plane Crash
- CONMEBOL blames Hard Rock Stadium for unruly fans, ugly scenes before Copa America final
- California needs a million EV charging stations — but that’s ‘unlikely’ and ‘unrealistic’
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- The Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Alternative Sales: 60% Off Wayfair, 50% Off Old Navy, 20% Off MAC & More
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- John Galt Is the Best Place to Shop It Girl Basics and They Start at Just $15
- President of Dickinson State University in North Dakota resigns after nursing faculty quit
- Shannen Doherty remembered by 90210 and Charmed co-stars
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Vermont governor urges residents to report flood damage to the state for FEMA determination
- President of Dickinson State University in North Dakota resigns after nursing faculty quit
- Untangling Christina Hall's Sprawling Family Tree Amid Josh Hall Divorce
Recommendation
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Who is Ruben Gutierrez? The Texas man is set for execution in retired schoolteacher's murder
Early Amazon Prime Day 2024 Luggage Deals: 66% Off Samsonite, U.S. Traveler, Traveler's Choice & More
Get 35% Off the Eyelash Serum Recommended by Luann de Lesseps, Lala Kent, Paige DeSorbo & More Celebs
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
How many points did Bronny James score tonight? Lakers Summer League box score
Dow closes at record high after attempted Trump assassination fuels red wave hope
How to watch 'Hillbilly Elegy,' the movie based on Trump VP pick JD Vance's 2016 memoir