image sourced from original article at Rutgers University has withdrawn its invitation to alumnus Rami Elghandour to deliver the May 15 convocation address at its School of Engineering following backlash over his social media posts criticizing Israel. University officials said the decision came after learning that some graduating students were considering skipping the ceremony because of concerns about the speaker's views.
Elghandour, a biotechnology executive and executive producer of a documentary about a Palestinian girl killed during the conflict, had accused Israel of committing war crimes in posts online. He said he found the university’s decision puzzling, arguing that the humanitarian values cited in his criticism were ones the institution publicly supports.
The move is the latest in a series of campus controversies related to the Israel and Gaza conflict, with universities across the country facing disputes over speeches and public statements made during commencement events.
