New York University is withholding a diploma from a student commencement speaker who called the conflict in Gaza a “genocide,” in remarks one Democrat lawmaker blasted as “stupid, selfish” lies — even going so far as to tell him, “good luck getting a job.”
NYU Gallatin School’s student commencement speaker Logan Rozos used the sentimental platform to rail against the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in a violation of preestablished guidelines, the university said in a statement.
“The only thing that is appropriate to say in this time, and to a group this large, is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,” Rozos said to an applauding crowd at the Beacon Theatre, video shared online showed.
“I want to say that the genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars,” he continued as students continued to clap.
“I just want to say I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide,” Rozos declared as his graduation cap fell off his head.
NYU officials swiftly condemned the speech in a statement calling out Rozos for using the platform to share “personal and one-sided political views” and for lying to the university.
“NYU strongly denounces the choice by a student at the Gallatin School’s graduation today at Gallatin School’s graduation today,” John Beckman, senior vice president for public affairs and strategic communications.
“He lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules. The University is withholding his diploma while we pursue disciplinary actions,” he stated.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D.-Fla.) took Rozos to task for lying and said NYU has every right to withhold the diploma from Gallatin, which is a liberal arts school.
“He lied to the university. Second of all, he lied to everyone listening. There’s no genocide going on in Israel. There is a war, it’s unfortunate,” Moskowitz said Thursday on CNN’s “News Night with Abby Phillip,” The Hill reported.
“But at the end of the day, that’s up to the university whether they give him his diploma or not,” he added.
“You know, in fact, they can give him his diploma, it’s not going to matter. Good luck getting a job. That was a stupid, selfish thing — ruined the ceremony for a lot of families,” Moskowitz charged.
Whether Rozos will receive his diploma is still in the air — but the university indicated that further penalties could be levied against the former student.
“NYU is deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks and that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him,” Beckman said.
NYU did not reply to The Post’s request for comment Friday.
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