In the span of less than a week, two universities have rescinded commencement speaking invitations to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the American ambassador to the United Nations, because of student opposition to the United States’ support of Israel during the war in Gaza.
Xavier University, an historically Black institution in New Orleans, withdrew its invitation to Ms. Thomas-Greenfield earlier this week, saying in a statement that “a number of students” had objected to her giving a commencement address.
The president of Xavier, Reynold Verret, indicated that he was concerned about the possibility of disruptions during the graduation ceremony this weekend, and came to the conclusion that Xavier could no longer host her — a situation he said was “regrettable.”Mr. Verret added that he looked forward to having Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, one of only two Black women to hold the U.N. ambassador post, visit the school and speak “in the future.”The University of Vermont announced last week that Ms. Thomas-Greenfield would not be speaking there, agreeing to a key demand from by student demonstrators who set up an encampment on the campus in Burlington.
The school’s president, Suresh Garimella, notified the student body last week that Ms. Thomas-Greenfield would not speak at graduation, and wrote, “I see you and hear you.”
Persons:
Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Thomas, ”, Xavier, Reynold Verret, Mr, Verret, Suresh Garimella, “
Organizations:
United Nations, Xavier University, ”, University of Vermont
Locations:
American, United States, Israel, Gaza, New Orleans, Burlington .