Logan Rozos’s NYU Pro Palestine Commencement Speech Sparks World Wide Condemnation
A commencement speech delivered by graduating senior Logan Rozos at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study has ignited fierce backlash from pro-Israel organizations, alumni, and members of the Jewish community, prompting heated debate over free speech, academic accountability, and the role of political discourse at university ceremonies.
Rozos, an actor and activist, was selected to speak on behalf of Gallatin’s 2025 graduating class during Wednesday’s commencement ceremony. In his remarks, Rozos expressed strong support for Palestinian rights and criticized U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s military actions in Gaza, referring to the humanitarian crisis and calling for “an end to U.S.-funded occupation and violence.”
Speech Triggers Diplomatic and Institutional Fallout
Pro-Israel groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and StandWithUs, swiftly condemned the remarks as “one-sided,” “inflammatory,” and “deeply inappropriate for a celebratory academic occasion.” They accused Rozos of ignoring or downplaying the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli civilians—often described as “Israel’s 9/11.”
In those attacks, over 1,200 Israelis were killed, including children and civilians attending a music festival. Hundreds were taken hostage, and at least 30 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza. Critics of Rozos’s speech argue that his remarks failed to acknowledge the suffering endured by Israelis and the complex geopolitical realities underpinning the Israel-Palestine conflict.
NYU Holds Diploma, Cites Procedural Review
In a move that intensified the controversy, NYU reportedly placed a temporary hold on Rozos’s diploma pending a review of complaints. While the university has not made a public statement confirming disciplinary action, internal sources cited by The Washington Post and The New York Times say the administration is facing pressure from donors and trustees to issue a formal rebuke.
“Free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL. “Commencement speeches are not soapboxes for misinformation or the glorification of groups with a history of terrorism.”
A Broader Cultural and Political Divide
Supporters of Rozos have defended his right to speak out, framing the issue as a matter of conscience and free expression. Organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) said Rozos “spoke truth to power” and shed light on an issue too often silenced in elite institutions.
Critics, however, argue that Rozos’s remarks reflected a growing trend among American youth who they believe are heavily influenced by curated online content, often from echo chambers that downplay violence committed by militant groups and oversimplify complex conflicts.
“Whether it’s political extremism on the right or radicalism on the left, young Americans are increasingly vulnerable to online propaganda,” said Dr. Miriam Adler, a political analyst at the University of Chicago. “In this case, Rozos’s speech seemed to lack any meaningful understanding of the U.S.-Israel alliance, the threats posed by Hamas, or the geopolitical stakes in the Middle East.”
A Larger Debate on Campus Politics
The incident comes amid a nationwide reckoning on college campuses, where tensions around the Israel-Gaza war have reached new levels. Protests, walkouts, and academic boycotts have become common, drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdog groups. At NYU, previous campus protests over the Gaza conflict have already sparked debates about antisemitism, academic freedom, and institutional neutrality.
Rozos’s speech and its fallout highlight the ongoing friction between activism and responsibility in public forums. “Commencement is a time to reflect, not divide,” said NYU alumnus Eli Weinstein, who launched a petition demanding a formal apology from the university.
What Comes Next
Rozos has not publicly responded to the backlash or confirmed whether he plans to challenge any disciplinary action. Meanwhile, NYU’s administration faces pressure from both sides of the political divide—some demanding censure, others defending academic freedom.
“This is not just about one student or one speech,” said political commentator Bari Weiss. “It’s about whether elite universities are becoming spaces where facts are replaced with ideology and dissent is punished based on which side of the aisle it falls.”
As of now, Rozos’s diploma remains withheld. NYU has said it will conclude its internal review in the coming weeks.
