UVM Cancels UN Ambassador's Commencement Speech Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

The University of Vermont (UVM) has announced that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield will no longer deliver the commencement speech at the university's graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 18 and 19. The decision comes amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus demanding the cancellation of Thomas-Greenfield's keynote address.

Why this matters: The cancellation of the UN Ambassador's speech highlights the growing influence of pro-Palestinian activism on American college campuses, which could have implications for free speech and academic freedom. This trend also underscores the deepening divisions and strong sentiments surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, which could impact U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

The protests, led by the UVM Students for Justice in Palestine, began on Sunday with over 50 tents set up on a campus green. The student group criticized Thomas-Greenfield for her alleged complicity in the U.S. decision to veto three U.N. resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. They also demanded divestment from Israeli companies, cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions, and amnesty for student protesters.

UVM President Suresh Garimella announced the cancellation in an email to the university community on Friday, stating, "It is with regret that I share that our planned speaker, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will not be joining us to deliver the Commencement address." Garimella indicated that the goal is to ensure a commencement ceremony that honors graduates and their achievements without disruption from a vocal minority.

The university had earlier agreed to release information about its $840 million endowment, another demand made by protesters. However, Garimella also addressed the continued presence of the encampment on campus, warning that those who continue to violate university policies will face "appropriate student conduct processes." The exact nature of these consequences remains unclear.

The UVM Students for Justice in Palestine celebrated the cancellation on Instagram, proclaiming, "Victory! Now, UVM must divest." The group had previously called Thomas-Greenfield a "war criminal" for her role in the U.S. handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The cancellation of Thomas-Greenfield's speech at UVM is part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian protests sweeping college campuses nationwide. Critics have taken issue with President Biden and his administration's approach to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The College Democrats of America voiced solidarity with the protesters, stating that the White House has taken a "mistaken route" in its support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Biden addressed the protests in prepared remarks at the White House on Thursday, criticizing aspects such as property damage. "Destroying property is not a peaceful protest, it's against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation. None of this is a peaceful protest, threatening people, intimidating people," Biden stated.

The protests have led to hundreds of arrests and prompted several universities to adjust their graduation plans. Similar demonstrations took place at Middlebury College in Vermont, while about 90 people were charged at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire on Wednesday night. The widespread protests underscore the deep divisions and strong sentiments surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict on American college campuses.

Key Takeaways

• UVM cancels UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield's commencement speech due to pro-Palestinian protests.
• Protesters criticized Thomas-Greenfield's role in US veto of UN resolutions on Gaza cease-fire.
• UVM Students for Justice in Palestine demanded divestment, cutting ties with Israeli institutions, and amnesty for protesters.
• Protests are part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian activism on US college campuses, sparking debates on free speech and academic freedom.
• President Biden criticized property damage and vandalism during protests, while College Democrats of America voiced solidarity with protesters.