Latest news with #Rozos
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
NYU withholds diploma of student who condemned Israel in graduation speech
New York University is withholding a student's diploma after he condemned Israel's deadly war on Gaza during his graduation ceremony speech. On Wednesday, Logan Rozos, an undergraduate student speaker from NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, delivered his commencement speech in which he said: '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 told the crowd that 'as I search my heart today in addressing you all', it is his 'moral and political commitments [that] guide me' into condemning Israel's onslaught on Gaza, which has killed at least 53,000 Palestinians over the last year and a half. Rozos went on to say: '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. And that I do not wish to speak only to my own politics today, but to speak for all people of conscience, and all people who feel the moral injury of this atrocity.' Related: More than 1,000 US students punished over speech since 2020, report finds Rozos's anti-war speech was met with widespread cheers and applause from students across the auditorium. Some attendees booed Rozos, with one person appearing to yell 'bullshit!' from the crowd. Following Rozos's speech, NYU released a statement saying that it 'strongly denounces the choice by a student at the Gallatin School's graduation today … to misuse his role as student speaker to express his personal and one-sided political views'. 'He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules. The university is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary actions. 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 university added. As of Thursday morning, Rozos's student profile on NYU Gallatin's website appeared to have been taken down, with a message saying: 'Page or File Not Found (404 Error)'. Rozos and NYU did not immediately return a request for comment. Last August, NYU updated its student conduct guidelines to include 'code words, like 'Zionist'' as examples of discriminatory speech. 'For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity. Speech and conduct that would violate the [nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy] if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the NDAH if directed toward Zionists,' the university said. The updated guidelines came months after anti-war students at NYU and other college campuses across the country demonstrated in solidarity with Palestine. As a result, NYU administrators called police to campus, leading to widespread arrests of students and faculty members. Last December, two tenured professors who were declared 'personae non gratae' by NYU accused the university of escalating its suppression of anti-war speech under pressure from donors, politicians and pro-Israel organizations. Related: California State students protest aid blockade in Gaza with hunger strike The two professors, Andrew Ross and Sonya Posmentier, were barred from entering certain university buildings. The PNG declarations came after Ross and Posmentier joined a sit-in at the university library in calls for the university to divest from companies profiting off of Israel's war in Gaza. A few months later, the university canceled a talk on USAID cuts after it deemed the lecture as 'anti-governmental'. According to Dr Joanne Liu, a pediatric emergency physician at Sainte-Justine hospital and former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), NYU'S vice-chair of the education department called her the evening before her presentation in March. Liu said the vice-chair voiced concerns about the content of some of her slides, including ones that mentioned USAID cuts by the Trump administration, as well as slides that cited Palestinian casualties in Gaza as a result of Israel's war across the strip. Liu said she was told that the slides on Gaza 'could be perceived as antisemitic'.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Student Graduation Speakers at NYU, George Washington Punished Over Pro-Palestine Speeches
For the second year in a row, college graduation season is being marked by student activism in solidarity with Palestine, and consequent backlash. Around the world — from Rutgers University, to Cambridge University in the U.K. to University of Doha for Science and Technology in Qatar — students have chanted 'Free Palestine' or held Palestinian flags while crossing the graduation stage, sometimes to threats of arrest. New York University and George Washington University both made headlines this past week for penalizing graduation student speakers who brought Palestine into their speeches. On Wednesday May 14, during the graduation ceremony for New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, student and actor Logan Rozos — featured in Teen Vogue in 2020, as a member of GLAAD's '20 Under 20' list of LGBTQ youth — went off-script. 'My moral and political commitments guide me to say that the only appropriate thing to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,' Rozos, 24, who Them notes is both Black and trans, said. 'I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the Unted States, is paid for by our tax dollars, and has been livestreamed to our phones for the past 18 months.' Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take In response, NYU announced via a statement that they were withholding Rozos's diploma while pursuing disciplinary action, without specifying which rules he had broken. (Them did not receive a response to their request for comment.) On Saturday May 17, student speaker Cecilia Culver took the podium at the ceremony for George Washington University's Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. 'I call upon the class of 2025 to withhold donations and continue advocating for disclosure and divestment,' Culver said during her remarks. "I cannot celebrate my own graduation without a heavy heart knowing how many students in Palestine have been forced to stop their studies, expelled from their homes, and killed for simply remaining in the country of their ancestors." During the GWU commencement, 'pro-Palestine protesters' were escorted away from the event, according to local news; other graduates brought signs and keffiyehs on the graduation stage. On Monday the 19th, the school issued a statement calling Culver's conduct 'inappropriate and dishonest,' stating that she 'submitted and recited in rehearsal very different remarks than those she delivered at the ceremony,' and that going forward, she was 'barred from all GW's campuses and sponsored events elsewhere.' Clips of Culver's speech have gone widely viral. The graduate told student paper the Hatchet she was unsurprised by the backlash from the university, adding, 'There was just never any point where I was not going to say something.' Mahmoud Khalil Was Detained by ICE. His Columbia Friends and Former Coworkers Are Speaking Out. 'They just wanted to make an example of somebody.' Some students at Virginia Commonwealth University had their diplomas withheld in advance of graduation over campus protests this spring; others were banned from their graduation ceremonies, like at University of Texas at Dallas. Punished students from Columbia University were honored at a second 'People's Graduation' (Teen Vogue attended the first, last spring). Dr. Noor Abdalla, wife of Mahmoud Khalil — still being held in ICE detention in Louisiana — accepted a diploma on his behalf during the ceremony. On May 22, Khalil was able to see Abdalla and hold their newborn baby for the first time in advance of a meeting with the Louisiana judge who argued Khalil was eligible to be deported. Khalil's lawyers argued that to deport him would put his life at risk. Protests and actions continue apace: Columbia alumni burned their diplomas outside Wednesday's commencement ceremonies, where the current acting president received boos after mentioning Khalil's absence. Student Mohsen Mahdawi, who was held in ICE detention in Vermont until being released on bail, was able to receive his diploma at a Columbia ceremony this week. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue More great activism coverage from Teen Vogue: 'Young Activist' Label Can Be a Burden for Youth Organizers Economic Disobedience: What Is It and How Does It Work? The Jewish Teens Who Fought Back Against Hitler The 13 Best Protest Songs Of All Time
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NYU student blasts Gaza war as 'genocide' in graduation speech, gets diploma withheld: 'He lied'
NYU's Logan Rozos deviated from his pre-approved speech and called Gaza war 'genocide' in graduation speech. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo '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.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NYU may have ignored its own protocols to allow anti-Israel grad speech: insider
New York University may have ignored its own protocols for commencement speakers, allowing a student speaker to complete a divisive anti-Israel speech at its Gallatin School graduation — as some faculty members applauded, a school insider told The Post. 'As I search my my heart . . . 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,' student Logan Rozos said Wednesday in the opening of his three-minute speech laced with a one-sided narrative about the Israel-Gaza war. 'I want to say that I condemn this genocide and condemn the complicity in this genocide,' he said claiming the US was 'militarily and politically' complicit, as faculty on the dais were seen applauding and nodding emphatically. An NYU insider who's been at the school decades told The Post Rozos should have never been allowed to finish his speech. Students have to 'submit a copy of the speech and agree to read that speech and none other,' the insider said. 'There's definitely a breakdown in protocol. When someone goes off script, the mic is supposed to be cut. These events are produced to the syllable because they need to be. 'It's supposed to be zero surprises – 100 percent by design.' The insider added that 'the real question is if there were faculty on the inside who put him up to this.' 'My mind, seeing all the faculty on the stage clapping, caused me to question whether they were in some way involved or not,' said the source, noting their robust record of anti-Israel sentiment according to the Canary Mission, which tracks antisemitism. Fellow grads were aghast NYU allowed Rozos to finish the 'inflammatory' and 'incredibly narcissistic' diatribe at the Beacon Theatre ceremony. 'They absolutely should have cut it off and not applauded him,' fumed Sabrina Maslavi, a Gallatin grad who settled a federal antimsemitism lawsuit with NYU last year. Maslavi told the Post that the 'inappropriate' speech 'definitely ruined my graduation for me and my family,' estimating about half of faculty on the dais openly supported the screed. 'They applauded him and let him finish. And after he sat down, the faculty still applauded him.' She claimed she was shunned when she didn't follow fellow grads in giving him a standing ovation. 'I got the death stare.' Another grad groused about the 'horrible' and 'embarrassing' spectacle for the institution. 'It took any prestige they had and squashed it,' the grad said, adding that Rozos 'should have been pulled off the stage.' Gallatin dean Victoria Rosner took the stage directly after Rozos, ignoring the divisive rant. Hours after the speech, an NYU spokesperson announced it would be withholding Rozos's diploma while it 'pursues disciplinary actions.' The school said Rozos 'abused' his 'privilege,' 'denounc[ing]' Rozos's speech and accusing him of 'misus[ing] his role as student speaker to express his personal and one-sided political views.' The rep did not address any breach in protocol but said the student 'lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules.' The 24-year-old Rozos, who wrote in a student online platform that he was raised in Washington Heights and the Bronx, was honored in 2020 for his 'groundbreaking' role in the series 'David Makes Men' on the Oprah Winfrey Network. 'At the time, Rozos was one of very few trans men on television,' read the 2024 Glaad writeup. The Post reached out to Rozos multiple times for comment. Students think that the punishment will only boost Rozos's notoriety, transforming him into a hero. 'There's nothing that NYU could do to make him regret what he said,' said a Jewish male grad who was appalled at the ceremony. 'I wouldn't be surprised if Logan turns into a victim from this— a victim of Israel and the Jewish people. People are going to feel bad for him.' Jeff Rabhan, father of a Gallatin grad, ripped NYU, where he was chair of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music for 11 years. 'You can't tell me they didn't discuss the possibility of this happening,' he said. 'There was plenty of opportunity to right the wrong,' seethed the dad about not cutting off the student. 'It's offensive for families who spend $250,000' for the NYU degree. Watchdog groups condemned the message sent by NYU's slap in the wrist. 'We fail to see how New York University has made any positive changes to deter – or impose consequences on – Jew-hatred when this is the speech given at commencement to rounding applause but no condemnation,' said Michelle Ahdoot of End Jewish Hatred, which first published the graduation video.
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
NYU may have ignored its own protocols to allow anti-Israel grad speech: insider
New York University may have ignored its own protocols for commencement speakers, allowing a student speaker to complete a divisive anti-Israel speech at its Gallatin School graduation — as some faculty members applauded, a school insider told The Post. 'As I search my my heart . . . 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,' student Logan Rozos said Wednesday in the opening of his three-minute speech laced with a one-sided narrative about the Israel-Gaza war. 'I want to say that I condemn this genocide and condemn the complicity in this genocide,' he said claiming the US was 'militarily and politically' complicit, as faculty on the dais were seen applauding and nodding emphatically. Advertisement 4 NYU student Logan Rozos delivered a pro-Palestine speech at the university's Gallatin School graduation. Obtained by NY Post An NYU insider who's been at the school decades told The Post Rozos should have never been allowed to finish his speech. Students have to 'submit a copy of the speech and agree to read that speech and none other,' the insider said. Advertisement 'There's definitely a breakdown in protocol. When someone goes off script, the mic is supposed to be cut. These events are produced to the syllable because they need to be. 'It's supposed to be zero surprises – 100 percent by design.' The insider added that 'the real question is if there were faculty on the inside who put him up to this.' 'My mind, seeing all the faculty on the stage clapping, caused me to question whether they were in some way involved or not,' said the source, noting their robust record of anti-Israel sentiment according to the Canary Mission, which tracks antisemitism. Advertisement 4 An NYU insider said students have to 'submit a copy of the speech and agree to read that speech and none other.' DW labs Incorporated – Fellow grads were aghast NYU allowed Rozos to finish the 'inflammatory' and 'incredibly narcissistic' diatribe at the Beacon Theatre ceremony. 'They absolutely should have cut it off and not applauded him,' fumed Sabrina Maslavi, a Gallatin grad who settled a federal antimsemitism lawsuit with NYU last year. Maslavi told the Post that the 'inappropriate' speech 'definitely ruined my graduation for me and my family,' estimating about half of faculty on the dais openly supported the screed. 'They applauded him and let him finish. And after he sat down, the faculty still applauded him.' Advertisement She claimed she was shunned when she didn't follow fellow grads in giving him a standing ovation. 'I got the death stare.' Another grad groused about the 'horrible' and 'embarrassing' spectacle for the institution. 'It took any prestige they had and squashed it,' the grad said, adding that Rozos 'should have been pulled off the stage.' 4 NYU is withholding Rozos's diploma. FilmMagic, Gallatin dean Victoria Rosner took the stage directly after Rozos, ignoring the divisive rant. Hours after the speech, an NYU spokesperson announced it would be withholding Rozos's diploma while it 'pursues disciplinary actions.' The school said Rozos 'abused' his 'privilege,' 'denounc[ing]' Rozos's speech and accusing him of 'misus[ing] his role as student speaker to express his personal and one-sided political views.' Advertisement The rep did not address any breach in protocol but said the student 'lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules.' The 24-year-old Rozos, who wrote in a student online platform that he was raised in Washington Heights and the Bronx, was honored in 2020 for his 'groundbreaking' role in the series 'David Makes Men' on the Oprah Winfrey Network. 'At the time, Rozos was one of very few trans men on television,' read the 2024 Glaad writeup. The Post reached out to Rozos multiple times for comment. Students think that the punishment will only boost Rozos's notoriety, transforming him into a hero. Advertisement 'There's nothing that NYU could do to make him regret what he said,' said a Jewish male grad who was appalled at the ceremony. 'I wouldn't be surprised if Logan turns into a victim from this— a victim of Israel and the Jewish people. People are going to feel bad for him.' 4 Fellow grads were aghast NYU allowed Rozos to finish the 'inflammatory' and 'incredibly narcissistic' speech. Obtained by NY Post Jeff Rabhan, father of a Gallatin grad, ripped NYU, where he previously worked for 11 years. 'You can't tell me they didn't discuss the possibility of this happening,' he said. 'There was plenty of opportunity to right the wrong,' seethed the dad about not cutting off the student, noting 'it's offensive for families who spend $250,000' for the NYU degree. Advertisement Watchdog groups condemned the message sent by NYU's slap in the wrist. 'We fail to see how New York University has made any positive changes to deter – or impose consequences on – Jew-hatred when this is the speech given at commencement to rounding applause but no condemnation,' said Michelle Ahdoot of End Jewish Hatred, which first published the graduation video.
