NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has canceled its plans for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield to deliver its 2024 undergraduate commencement address after students voiced their displeasure with her stance on the war in Gaza.
Thomas-Greenfield was scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. Saturday to graduates of Xavier's College of Arts and Sciences. However, school officials announced on Wednesday that she would be dropped as the speaker in an effort to keep the peace and avoid disturbance.
"The vast majority of students want to be able to enjoy a commencement ceremony free of disruptions," stated Xavier President Reynold Verret. "Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the commencement speaker as originally planned. We came to this regrettable conclusion together with Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's team. We look forward to welcoming the Ambassador to campus in the future to engage with our students and faculty in substantive conversations."
The full official statement read:
"In recent days, we have heard the voices of a number of students and others in the Xavier community, who have expressed reservations over the invitation to Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as our 2024 commencement speaker and have shared their strong views on the United States’ position on the conflict in the Middle East. There are also many in this community who admire Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and believe she would meaningfully contribute to the commencement ceremony.
"That said, everyone’s goal is to have a commencement ceremony that appropriately honors the graduates and their achievements. The vast majority of students want to be able to enjoy a commencement ceremony free of disruptions. Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the commencement speaker as originally planned. We came to this regrettable conclusion together with Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's team. We look forward to welcoming the Ambassador to campus in the future to engage with our students and faculty in substantive conversations.
"Xavier exists to fulfill its mission rooted in the values of justice, the pursuit of peace, and the elevation of the human spirit. For nearly 100 years, Xavier has dedicated itself to developing critical thinkers, innovators, advocates, activists, and professionals who are deeply imbued with the understanding that they have been blessed with an education for the creation of a more just and humane society.
"Founded by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier boldly fulfills its mission to prepare students who assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Today, that mission remains as necessary and relevant as ever.
Through prayerful discernment, dialogue, and steadfast fidelity to our faith and calling, may we be instruments of peace."
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