NYU valedictorian denounces Gaza genocide in speech; university withholds diploma

Logan Rozos, a graduating student at New York University (NYU), used his valedictorian speech to highlight the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and condemned the United States for supplying weapons to Israel. Following the speech, the university announced that it would withhold Rozos’s diploma.

During his address, Rozos said the only thing that should matter at such an event was “the recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine.”

The crowd responded with applause and cheers as Rozos spoke passionately about the suffering of Palestinians.

He went on to criticise the United States for its political and military support of Israel in the war on Gaza.

“I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States. It’s paid for by our tax dollars and has been live-streamed to our phones for the past 18 months,” he said.

Rozos added that he spoke on behalf of all people whose consciences were disturbed by the atrocities in Gaza.

“I want to say that I condemn this genocide and the complicity in this genocide.”

In response, NYU issued a statement claiming that Rozos violated university protocols by "lying" to administrators about the content of his speech.

Read: Gaza death toll surpasses 53,000 as genocide continues for over 18 months

“The university is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary action,” the statement read.

The university further accused the valedictorian of “misusing his role as a student speaker to express personal and one-sided political views.”

It is pertinent to note that students across various universities in the United States have consistently spoken out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Many have faced disciplinary action, suspension, or even arrest for participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

US President Donald Trump publicly vowed to root out pro-Palestinian supporters from university campuses, even promising to deport international students who take part in anti-Israel demonstrations.