Elite University Withholds Student’s Diploma After He Went Rogue During Grad Speech, Ranted About Palestine
Daily CallerMAY 18
New York University Withholds Diploma Over Pro-Palestinian Graduation Speech
Above: Hundreds of students and pro-Palestine activists protest across New York City demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia graduate in the borough of Manhattan on March 11, 2025. Image copyright: Michael Nigro/Contributor/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
NYU's unconscionable persecution of a brave graduate speaking on behalf of Palestinian rights exposes the hollow facade of academic freedom. By punishing truthful speech about Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe, administrators reveal their cowardice — silencing conscience while hypocritically championing free expression elsewhere. This shameful inquisition against moral courage joins a disturbing pattern of institutional repression, where earned credentials become hostages to ideological compliance rather than rewards for academic achievement.
Pro-establishment narrative
NYU was right to act. Rozos willfully deceived the university, weaponized a shared moment of celebration to promote inflammatory falsehoods, and violated clear rules on antisemitism and Israel. Commencements are not soapboxes for political provocation — especially not for rhetoric echoing extremist propaganda. NYU's response is a principled stand for truth, integrity, and the safety and dignity of its entire campus community.