In less than a week, two universities have rescinded invitations to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield to give a commencement address, citing student opposition to U.S. aid to Israel during the Gaza War.
Earlier this week, Xavier University, a historically black institution in New Orleans, withdrew its invitation to Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, saying in a statement that “many students” objected to her giving the commencement address. Xavier University President Reynold Verret said he was concerned about the potential for disruption to this weekend's graduation ceremony and had come to the conclusion that Xavier could no longer hold a graduation ceremony, calling the situation “unfortunate.” '' he said.
Mr Verrett added that he looked forward to Ms Thomas-Greenfield, one of only two black women to hold the post of UN ambassador, visiting the school and speaking “in the future”. .
Last week, the University of Vermont agreed to a key demand from student protesters who set up an encampment on its Burlington campus, announcing that Ms. Thomas-Greenfield would not speak there. The school's principal, Suresh Garimella, notified the student body last week that Ms. Thomas-Greenfield would not be speaking at graduation, writing, “I see you and I hear you.” .
A spokesperson for Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement that the ambassador looks forward to “continuing to engage with young people on campus and beyond,” noting that he recently spoke with high school students in Pennsylvania. did.
Opponents of Israel's military operation in Gaza, which has claimed more than 30,000 lives, according to the Palestinian Health Authority, are focusing some of their anger on Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, who is a member of the Security Council. This is because he has been leading the United States' efforts to stop the Gaza Strip. Several resolutions calling for a ceasefire. She opposed the resolution on the grounds that Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7 and killed 1,200 people, did not agree to release hostages taken that day.
Still, the United States abstained from voting on one cease-fire resolution in March, a sign of the Biden administration's growing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of Israel's war effort. With this abstention, the resolution was passed by the Security Council, breaking a five-month deadlock.