Some Xavier University students upset with planned commencement address by UN ambassador

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Xavier University’s pick to deliver its undergraduate commencement address has sparked criticism among students who oppose past positions by the U.S. on the war in Gaza.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. Saturday to graduates of Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported. In an announcement, the school described the Louisiana native, who is from Baker and graduate of Louisiana State University, as a “trailblazing Black woman” who forged her own path.

But soon after news of her appearance at the historically Black university spread, students asked the administration to cancel her speech and created an online petition calling for the same. They have also asked university officials to review how commencement speakers are chosen in the future.

“It has come to our attention that the university has chosen to invite a U.N. ambassador who has voted against a ceasefire in Gaza to address our graduating class,” wrote Chase Patterson, Xavier’s student government association president. “This decision sparked significant dismay and disappointment among us, as it contradicts the values and principles that our institution upholds.… As members of a compassionate and empathetic community, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow human beings.”

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