Rutgers cancels graduation speaker over alleged student backlash to anti-Israel posts
Rutgers University canceled biotech CEO Rami Elghandour’s scheduled May 15 graduation speech at the Rutgers School of Engineering due to student backlash over his anti-Israel social media posts, which included accusations of war crimes and apartheid. The university stated the decision aimed to ensure graduates felt no conflict between their personal beliefs and the ceremony, while Elghandour called the move 'heartbreaking' and accused Rutgers of undermining free speech." "article": "Rutgers University canceled the graduation speech of Rami Elghandour, CEO of biotech company Arcellx, after graduating students expressed concerns about his anti-Israel social media posts. The May 15 convocation address at the Rutgers School of Engineering was rescinded by Dean Alberto Cuitiño following student complaints, though the university did not specify which posts prompted the backlash. Elghandour, who frequently shares content about violence in Gaza and the West Bank, accused Israel of war crimes and apartheid in his posts. A Rutgers spokesperson confirmed the cancellation was due to students declining to attend graduation over the speaker’s views, emphasizing the decision prioritized inclusivity for graduates. Elghandour criticized Rutgers for highlighting his 'humanitarian views' before retracting support, calling the reversal 'inconvenient.' He told The Guardian that Dean Cuitiño acknowledged student opposition to his beliefs but stated there would be no replacement speaker to avoid future disputes. The CEO argued the cancellation reflected an 'erosion of free speech' and claimed Palestine-related debates were being weaponized against democratic institutions. Rutgers defended its choice, stating the focus should remain on celebrating engineering graduates without forcing them to confront divisive issues. Elghandour’s documentary work, including *The Voice of Hind Rajab* about a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces, was previously promoted by the university. The incident has reignited discussions about free speech and political neutrality in academic settings.
Rutgers University canceled the graduation speech of Rami Elghandour, CEO of biotech company Arcellx, after graduating students expressed concerns about his anti-Israel social media posts. The May 15 convocation address at the Rutgers School of Engineering was rescinded by Dean Alberto Cuitiño following student complaints, though the university did not specify which posts prompted the backlash. Elghandour, who frequently shares content about violence in Gaza and the West Bank, accused Israel of war crimes and apartheid in his posts. A Rutgers spokesperson confirmed the cancellation was due to students declining to attend graduation over the speaker’s views, emphasizing the decision prioritized inclusivity for graduates. Elghandour criticized Rutgers for highlighting his 'humanitarian views' before retracting support, calling the reversal 'inconvenient.' He told The Guardian that Dean Cuitiño acknowledged student opposition to his beliefs but stated there would be no replacement speaker to avoid future disputes. The CEO argued the cancellation reflected an 'erosion of free speech' and claimed Palestine-related debates were being weaponized against democratic institutions. Rutgers defended its choice, stating the focus should remain on celebrating engineering graduates without forcing them to confront divisive issues. Elghandour’s documentary work, including *The Voice of Hind Rajab* about a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces, was previously promoted by the university. The incident has reignited discussions about free speech and political neutrality in academic settings.
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