Arizona Student Groups Target Eric Schmidt Speech With 1,260-Signature Protest Over Assault Allegations
Updated
Updated · Arizona Daily Star · May 16
Arizona Student Groups Target Eric Schmidt Speech With 1,260-Signature Protest Over Assault Allegations
6 articles · Updated · Arizona Daily Star · May 16
Friday’s University of Arizona commencement is set for a student protest, with advocacy groups planning flyers and urging attendees to turn their backs or boo when Eric Schmidt takes the stage.
The action centers on a November 2025 lawsuit by former girlfriend and business partner Michelle Ritter, who accused Schmidt of sexual assault and harassment; his attorney has called the claims false and defamatory.
A Los Angeles judge sent the case to arbitration in March, rejecting Ritter’s bid to keep it in open court under a 2022 federal law because a December 2024 settlement was signed after the alleged misconduct.
More than 1,260 people had signed a petition to cancel Schmidt’s speech, and organizers said university leaders had not responded, while UA defended the invitation by citing Schmidt’s technology leadership and support for university-linked research.
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