NYU denies diploma to student Logan Rozos, who criticized Israel in commencement speech, US 'complicity in this genocide'
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK — New York University has announced it will withhold a diploma from a student who utilized his graduation speech to criticize Israel’s actions against Palestinians and labeled U.S. actions as supportive of what he called “genocide.”

Logan Rozos delivered a speech on Wednesday to NYU’s Gallatin School graduates that triggered backlash from pro-Israel organizations, who are insisting the university impose severe disciplinary measures against him.

NYU representative John Beckman issued a statement apologizing for the speech, criticizing the student for allegedly exploiting his opportunity to share only his own political opinions.

“He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules,” Beckman added. “The University is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary actions.”

Universities across the country have faced tremendous pressure to crack down on pro-Palestinian speech or risk funding cuts from President Donald Trump’s administration, which has equated criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

But NYU, which is attended by Trump’s son, Barron, has largely avoided the president’s ire so far.

Rozos, an actor and member of the Gallatin Theater Troupe, was selected by fellow students to give the liberal art program’s address. He said he felt a moral and political obligation to speak to the audience about what he called the atrocities in Palestine.

“The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars and has been livestreamed to our phones for the past 18 months,” he said.

The speech drew loud cheers from the crowd, along with a standing ovation from some graduating students.

But as video of the speech spread online, it was roundly denounced by pro-Israel groups, who accused NYU of creating an unsafe environment for Jewish students.

“No student – especially Jewish students – should have to sit through politicized rhetoric that promotes harmful lies about Israel during such a personal milestone,” the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement.

The group #EndJewHatred suggested the speech – which did not mention Jewish people – would meet the university’s newly-expanded definition of antisemitism, which includes certain criticism of Israel.

An emailed inquiry to Rozos was not returned.

As pro-Palestinian rallies roiled campuses across the country last spring, the 2024 commencement season was was marked by tensions and cancellations, and strict limits on what students could say.

With billions of dollars of funding at risk from the Trump administration, the stakes for universities are even higher this year, some faculty said.

“They are bending over backward to crack down on speech that runs counter to what the current administration in Washington espouses,” said Andrew Ross, a professor of social and cultural analysis at NYU.

“Myself and many of my colleagues are frankly appalled at the decision that’s being made to deny a student speaker his diploma,” Ross added. “This is a very good example of an administration falling down on the job.”

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kayla Harrison taking over as face of women's MMA 'would be an honor'

Kayla Harrison considers it ‘an honor’ to become the leading figure in women’s MMA

The term “the face of women’s MMA” has been around since before…
Ex-police chief Grant Hardin, who escaped Arkansas prison while serving time for murder, recaptured: Authorities

Former Police Chief Grant Hardin Recaptured After Escaping Arkansas Prison While Serving Murder Sentence, Authorities Say

A former Arkansas police chief, serving a 30-year sentence for murder and…
'This Is What I Voted For': Trump Executive Order Fulfills Big Promise on Care for Vets vs. Illegals

Trump Set to Reduce Federal Funding for California

Federal funding plays a significant role in supporting various state responsibilities, such…
Renna O'Rourke dies attempting dangerous online 'dusting' challenge

Tragic Incident: Renna O’Rourke Passes Away During Hazardous ‘Dusting’ Challenge

A fame-seeking teenager died attempting an alarming social-media challenge called “dusting,” according…
Trump vs Musk feud forces allies to take sides as questions swirl over Elon ‘olive branch’ and X rant fallout

The Conflict Between Trump and Musk Compels Supporters to Choose Sides Amid Speculation About Elon’s ‘Olive Branch’ and the Consequences of an Argument on Platform X

THE feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has forced lawmakers…
FBI Director Kash Patel announces potential 'great breakthrough' in COVID origins probe

FBI’s Kash Patel Reveals Possible Major Breakthrough in Investigating COVID-19 Origins

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday a significant “breakthrough” in the…
17 illegal migrants discovered crammed in RV, sedan in sweltering Arizona heat

17 Undocumented Migrants Found Packed Into Vehicles in Arizona’s Scorching Heat

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A man has been…
Social Security: Study shows where seniors could face longest drive times to offices

Social Security: Research Highlights Regions with Longest Travel Times for Seniors to Reach Offices

(NewsNation) — According to a study released on May 27, around 25%…
Karen Read defense expert challenges hit-and-run theory with collision tests showing key inconsistencies

Karen Read’s Defense Highlights Inconsistencies in Hit-and-Run Theory with New Collision Test Evidence

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Karen Read’s legal team…
Genevieve Meehan was found unresponsive and blue at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme

A Heartbreaking Loss: My Baby Suffocated After Being Strapped Facedown by a Cruel Nursery Manager – She Was Gone Before I Was Notified

A HEARTBROKEN mum has broken her silence after her baby girl was…
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/UPI/Shutterstock (15342808i) Ukraine launched "Operation Spiderweb" on Sunday, June 1, 2025, targeting Belaya Air Base in Russia's Irkutsk region in Siberia, approximately 3,000 miles from Ukraine, using drones to strike its enemy's strategic bombers. This image, taken from a video released by Ukraine, shows Tu-95 Bear and Tu-22 Backfire bombers, as well as A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft under attack. According to a senior NATO official, roughly 40 aircraft were damaged, with 10-13 destroyed. Screenshot via Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/UPI Ukraine Launches Drone Attack Deep Inside Russia Targeting Strategic Bombers, Russian Federation - 04 Jun 2025

Discover Ukraine’s Elite Special Ops Team Targeting Putin’s Forces: From Bombing Raids to Taking Down a £3 Billion Bridge… What’s Their Next Move?

Deep within hostile territories, Ukraine’s special operations unit has redefined modern warfare…
‘Psychotic' Sydney Sweeney admits she’s ‘really vicious’ on set

‘Sydney Sweeney Confesses to Being Intensely Fierce on Set’

Don’t let her sweet personality fool you. Sydney Sweeney recently revealed that…