New York University (NYU) has decided to withhold the diploma of student Logan Rozos following his unapproved commencement speech addressing the Israel-Hamas war and the “atrocities currently happening in Palestine.” During the graduation ceremony at the Gallatin School, Rozos deviated from the expected speech, voicing his personal political views instead. NYU condemned his remarks, stating that he misused his role as a student speaker to express a “one-sided” perspective that did not align with the university’s guidelines.
In his speech, Rozos expressed considerable distress over the ongoing conflict, articulating accusations of genocide in Palestine and criticizing U.S. support for Israel as complicit in the violence. He endeavored to present his comments as a broader moral appeal, asserting that he spoke for “all people of conscience” in condemning the situation. Some graduates in attendance reportedly cheered and applauded his remarks.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed its disapproval of Rozos’ comments, thanking the university for its condemnation and for pursuing disciplinary actions. NYU maintained that Rozos had deceived officials regarding the content of his speech and violated the commitment he made to adhere to university protocols. Consequently, the school announced that his diploma would be withheld while disciplinary procedures are underway, expressing regret that the moment was overshadowed by what they termed an abuse of privilege.
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