Rutgers University has withdrawn its invitation to Rami Elghandour, CEO of biotech company Arcellx and a university alumnus, to deliver the May 15 convocation address at the School of Engineering. The decision came after some graduating students expressed concerns about Elghandour's social media posts criticizing Israel, including accusations of war crimes and apartheid. A Rutgers spokesperson confirmed the cancellation, stating that the university learned 'some graduating students would not attend their graduation ceremony due to concerns about the invited speaker’s social media posts.' The spokesperson declined to specify which posts prompted the decision.
Elghandour, who also served as the executive producer of a documentary about a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli Defense Forces, frequently shares news articles and footage of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The cancellation follows a broader trend of student protests against the war in Gaza, which have led to canceled speeches and disruptions during graduations across U.S. campuses. Earlier this week, the University of Michigan publicly disavowed a commencement speech by Derek R. Peterson, a history professor, after he briefly lauded pro-Palestinian student activists. The university president’s subsequent apology drew condemnation from academic and free-speech groups.
The decision at Rutgers has sparked debate about free speech, academic freedom, and the role of student protests in shaping university policies. Some argue that the cancellation reflects a broader trend of self-censorship in response to political pressure, while others contend that universities must balance diverse student perspectives during commencement ceremonies.