Speakers At College Commencement Ceremonies Are Being Met With Boos For Bringing Up AI

Students at Glendale Community College booed President Tiffany Hernandez during the graduation ceremony after she announced the college had used artificial intelligence to read aloud graduates’ names, resulting in some students being missed. The crowd’s reaction forced Hernandez to clarify that graduates had still walked the stage for photos, but the disruption led to no second opportunity for those affected. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Community College District later apologized for the 'technical issue' and assured steps would be taken to prevent future occurrences. At the University of Central Florida’s College of Arts and Humanities commencement on May 8, Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances for Tavistock Development Company, faced similar backlash. She began her speech by stating that 'the rise of artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution,' prompting immediate boos from the audience. Confused by the reaction, Caulfield asked the crowd, 'What happened?' before continuing after receiving permission to finish, acknowledging the divisive nature of the topic. The incidents reflect broader student sentiment toward AI in education. A 2026 Lumina Foundation-Gallup study found that while four in ten college students are encouraged to use AI in their coursework, many avoid it due to ethical concerns. Graduates like Ethan Lubin, who booed Caulfield’s speech, expressed discomfort with AI discussions in humanities-focused programs, arguing it clashes with the field’s emphasis on human-centered values. Despite the pushback, AI remains deeply embedded in higher education. Universities have rapidly adopted AI tools in classrooms, though the backlash at commencement ceremonies suggests students and faculty may be divided over its role in academic traditions and learning. The controversies underscore tensions between technological advancement and the emotional weight of graduation ceremonies, where expectations for celebration often clash with discussions of future challenges.