Universities withdraw invitation to US envoy to UN amid Gaza war protests
US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield
With protests against the war in Gaza continuing in the United States, two universities have withdrawn their invitation to US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield to speak at commencement ceremonies. Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of Vermont have made the move in a bid to show support for Palestinians.
In a letter, Xavier's President Dr Reynold Verret expressed regret over the decision. Reynold said, "The vast majority of students want to be able to enjoy a commencement ceremony free of disruptions."
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The initial announcement of Thomas-Greenfield as commencement speaker on May 5 was met with backlash, leading to a petition signed by over 1,700 people urging the university to retract the invitation.
The petition criticised the politicisation of the ceremony and cited Thomas-Greenfield's voting record at the UN, particularly regarding measures related to the Gaza conflict.
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Nate Evans, a spokesperson for Thomas-Greenfield, conveyed the ambassador's commitment to engaging with young people despite the cancellations.
Thomas-Greenfield recently visited a high school in Philadelphia and engaged with Palestinian students during her tour.
Similar protests led to Thomas-Greenfield's disinvitation from the University of Vermont's commencement ceremony.
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Thomas-Greenfield assumed her role as US ambassador at UN at the beginning of the Biden administration.
Thomas-Greenfield explains US' stand at UN
Addressing protests on college campuses, Thomas-Greenfield while speaking to Dallas station WFAA, said "I want the students to know that they are being heard. At the same time, we have to be clear that they can't use violence as a means of getting their message across."
In an explanation of US' position at United Nations, Thomas-Greenfield stated that the US couldn't back ceasefire resolutions omitting Israel's right to self-defence. In another instance, she cited the US' refusal to support a ceasefire until Hamas released hostages.
(With inputs from agencies)