University of Vermont cancels UN ambassador’s address amid Gaza protests 

The University of Vermont (UVM) has canceled U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s commencement speech amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus amid widespread protests at universities across the country.

“We look forward to the upcoming commencement ceremony and the opportunity to celebrate UVM’s Class of 2024,” university President Suresh Garimella said in a message to the university community obtained by The Hill on Friday. Ta.

“After years of hard work and commitment to success, they deserve a weekend of ceremony and celebration in recognition of their accomplishments,” Garmimela continued. “We regret to inform you that the scheduled speaker, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will not be participating in her commencement address.”

Instagram post by UVM’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine celebrated Canceled after calling Thomas Greenfield a “war criminal.”

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college campuses across the country are directing their anger at President Biden and his administration over their handling of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Democratic National Committee’s university advocacy arm, the University Democrats of America, also expressed solidarity with the pro-Palestinian protesters and criticized the White House for its handling of the conflict.

“The White House chose the wrong path with the bearhug strategy. [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] And it is a strategy of snub to our bases and to all Americans who want an end to this war. “Every day that the Democratic Party fails to unite around a permanent ceasefire, a two-state solution, and recognition of a Palestinian state, more young people become disillusioned with the party,” a statement from the University Democrats said.

President Biden criticized aspects of recent pro-Palestinian protests, including property damage, in prepared remarks at the White House on Thursday.

“Destruction of property is not a peaceful protest and is a violation of the law. Vandalism, trespassing, broken windows, campus closures, forced cancellations of classes and graduations. “It threatens and intimidates people,” Biden said.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across higher education institutions in recent weeks, resulting in hundreds of arrests and forcing several universities, including UVM, to adjust graduation plans.