New York University is withholding the diploma of a student who condemned the “genocide” in Gaza while delivering a graduation speech Wednesday.
Student Logan Rozos, as seen in a social media post, told members of his graduating class at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study that he wanted to "recognize the atrocities happening in Palestine" while he had a chance to address a large crowd.
Rozos referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide," which he said was “politically and militarily” supported by the U.S. and “paid for by our tax dollars.”
Some students were seen cheering and clapping as Rozos spoke, but there were some jeers as well.
NYU “strongly” denounced “the choice by a student at Gallatin School’s graduation,” university spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement after the ceremony.
Beckman said the student speaker “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,” 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.”