Rutgers University rescinds Rami Elghandour graduation speech invitation
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 6
Rutgers University rescinds Rami Elghandour graduation speech invitation
8 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 6
The New Jersey university said some engineering graduates threatened to skip the 15 May New Brunswick ceremony over the alumnus's pro-Palestinian social media posts.
Elghandour said dean Alberto Cuitiño cancelled him last week without detailing the complaints; Rutgers said no replacement speaker is planned to keep the focus on students.
The move adds to US campus disputes over pro-Palestinian graduation speech, after restrictions at NYU and CUNY and backlash over University of Michigan remarks.
Is there now a 'Palestine exception' to free speech at American universities?
When does protecting student comfort justify limiting free speech on campus?
In May 2026, Rutgers University canceled Rami Elghandour's commencement speech to avoid student boycotts sparked by his outspoken advocacy for Palestinian rights and controversial social media posts. Although his planned address focused on universal themes like kindness and leadership, the administration feared his presence would divide the graduating class. The decision led to mixed reactions among students, faculty, and alumni, reflecting broader national tensions over free speech and political expression on campuses. Rutgers replaced Elghandour with a non-controversial speaker but took no steps to address the underlying campus divisions, raising concerns about a chilling effect on diverse viewpoints and the growing challenge universities face in balancing inclusion with open discourse.