Harvard University is struggling to find speakers for its commencement “Class Day” later this month, and 10 invited speakers have already filled their slots, in part due to ongoing protests and anti-Semitism on the elite campus. has declined.
of harvard crimson report Friday:
More than 10 people have declined offers to be keynote speakers for Harvard University’s annual class day, leaving the Harvard Alumni Association scrambling to find speakers with less than two weeks until the ceremony for fourth-year undergraduates.
According to Fez S. Zafar ’24, senior marshal, speaking candidates declined for a variety of reasons, including a desire to partner with Harvard University during a year of controversy. The complaints included the lack of availability, schedule conflicts, and demands for a large amount of compensation.
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The hesitancy to partner with Harvard came after the university faced intense opposition over its establishment. Initial response Hamas to October 7th attack on israel.of Pro-Palestinian camp currently underway Protests at Harvard Yard questioned This year’s Graduation and Class Day ceremonies are normally held at the Tercentenary Theater, but protesters recently set up additional tents.
This was announced by a Harvard University spokesperson. crimson None of the speakers cited “ongoing controversy” as a reason for declining the invitation. crimson He didn’t seem to agree.
Class Day is the day before the official graduation ceremony, and the speeches are usually light-hearted.
Famous Class Day speakers in the past include President Joe Biden in 2017, Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg in 2014, comedian Larry Wilmore in 2023, and perhaps most infamously, Ali G. in 2004. (Sacha Baron Cohen).
Harvard University suspends a student who participated as an activist in a “camp” that grew during weekend demonstrations. Appeared The lock on the gate of Harvard Yard was cut off, allowing participants other than university personnel to enter.
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor at Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday Sunday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT) on Sirius XM Patriot. He is the author of a new biography, Rhoda: “Comrade Cadderly, you are abnormal.”. He is also the author of a recently published e-book. Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 US Presidential Election. He is the recipient of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter @joelpolak.
