Southwestern University condemned a student's speech at its commencement as 'highly controversial and antisemitic' for using the phrase 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' The university pointed out that the speech differed from the one shared for feedback.
The speech accused Israel of 'genocide,' criticized the U.S. government and some university endowments for supporting Israel, and closed with a phrase interpreted by some as calling for the elimination of Israel. Many attendees expressed disappointment.
Commenters on Facebook divided over the university's response, with some criticizing the speech but majority condemning Southwestern for not upholding academic freedom. They argued that students should be encouraged to speak truth.
The student speaker was chosen through a vote of Phi Beta Kappa members. Southwestern's statement highlighted the expectation for speeches to reflect a 'respectful and inclusive environment' while upholding academic freedom.
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