Xavier University of Louisiana has decided to cancel U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s commencement address after facing outrage from some students. The university president, Reynold Verret, announced the decision in an email to faculty, staff, and students, stating that the goal is to have a commencement ceremony that appropriately honors the graduates without disruptions. Students were upset over Thomas-Greenfield’s invitation due to their opposition to the U.S.’s past positions on the war in Gaza, particularly the vetoed cease-fire resolutions.
The decision to cancel Thomas-Greenfield’s speech was described as a “regrettable conclusion” by Verret, who mentioned that the ambassador was involved in the decision. This backlash against Thomas-Greenfield is not isolated to Xavier University, as she also faced similar protests at the University of Vermont, resulting in the cancellation of her commencement address there as well. The Xavier Student Government Association President, Chase Patterson, who had initially raised concerns about the commencement speaker choice, praised Verret for listening to their voices and reconsidering the decision.
Many students and others have spoken out against the invitation to Thomas-Greenfield, but Verret noted that there are still individuals who believe her contribution to the ceremony would have been meaningful. Despite the cancellation, Verret expressed a desire to welcome the ambassador to campus in the future for substantive conversations with students and faculty. The graduation ceremony is still scheduled for Saturday at the university’s Convocation Center, although it remains unclear whether a new speaker will be arranged to replace Thomas-Greenfield.
Thomas-Greenfield did not provide any comments on the decision to cancel her commencement address at Xavier University. The controversy surrounding her appearance stemmed from the U.S.’s veto of multiple cease-fire resolutions related to the conflict in Gaza, with Thomas-Greenfield citing reasons such as the lack of mention of Israel’s right to self-defense and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. While some students opposed her speaking at the ceremony, others acknowledged the potential value of her participation and engagement with the university community in the future.
The outcry against Thomas-Greenfield’s invitation highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions related to international conflicts and diplomatic decisions. It also underscores the significance of platforms like commencement ceremonies in facilitating meaningful discussions and debates, even if they lead to decisions like the cancellation of a planned speaker. The aftermath of this incident at Xavier University serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in navigating political controversies within educational institutions, particularly when it involves high-profile figures like ambassadors and their diplomatic stances.
