Rutgers unions condemn cancellation of CEO grad speech
Two Rutgers University unions condemned the cancellation of biotech CEO Rami Elghandour’s graduation speech, calling it politically motivated and a violation of free speech principles. The university withdrew the invitation after students objected to Elghandour’s social media posts criticizing Israel, including accusations of genocide and apartheid.
Two unions representing Rutgers University educators, the Rutgers AAUP-AFT and the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, issued a joint statement condemning the cancellation of biotech CEO Rami Elghandour’s scheduled graduation speech. The unions described the decision as politically motivated suppression of free expression, arguing it undermines Rutgers’ commitment to open debate. Rutgers announced the cancellation after students threatened to boycott graduation due to Elghandour’s public criticism of Israel, including claims of genocide and apartheid. Elghandour, a 2001 Rutgers graduate and leader of two multi-billion-dollar companies, had been invited to speak at the School of Engineering commencement on May 15. The university cited a desire to ensure a celebratory atmosphere for all graduates. The unions cited Rutgers President William F. Tate IV’s 2025 statement emphasizing free speech as a contradiction to the cancellation. They also noted Elghandour’s advocacy for women, diversity, and human rights, including his work as an executive producer on the Oscar-nominated film *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, about a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces. Rutgers spokesperson Dory Devlin defended the decision, stating it aimed to protect graduates from feeling forced to choose between personal convictions and the ceremony. The cancellation has drawn criticism from groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey and the Center for Constitutional Rights. Elghandour’s removal follows his earlier praise by School of Engineering Dean Alberto Cuitiño, who highlighted his achievements in healthcare innovation as embodying the school’s values. The unions’ statement reflects broader concerns about universities applying inconsistent standards to free speech in politically charged debates.
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