NYU student blasts Gaza war as 'genocide' in graduation speech, gets diploma withheld: 'He lied'
The New York University decided to withhold the diploma of
Logan Rozos
, a student who chose to condemn Israel's war in Gaza as 'genocide' at the graduation speech, keeping the administration in dark.
His speech drew loud cheers from the audience while the administration said NYU was deeply sorry that the audience had to listen to these remarks.
NYU spokesperson John Beckman said Logan's speech was approved previously but on the stage, he deviated from his speech and now the university will take disciplinary action against him.
"He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules," Beckman said.
"NYU is deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks and that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him."
'The only thing that is appropriate to say in this time, and to a group this large, is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,' Rozos said to an applauding crowd at the Beacon Theatre.
'I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars,' he said.
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'I just want to say I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide,' Rozos concluded.
Rozos, who is an actor and a member of the Gallatin Theatre Troupe, was chosen to deliver the address. Anti-Defamation Leauge condemned the speech and said no student, especially no Jewish students should have to sit through politicised rhetoric that "promotes harmful lies about Israel during such a personal milestone".
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D.-Fla.) said the university has every right to withhold the diploma because he lied to the university. 'He lied to the university. Second of all, he lied to everyone listening. There's no genocide going on in Israel. There is a war, it's unfortunate,' Moskowitz said
'You know, in fact, they can give him his diploma, it's not going to matter. Good luck getting a job. That was a stupid, selfish thing — ruined the ceremony for a lot of families,' Moskowitz added.
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