### NYU Withholds Diploma After Unauthorized Graduation Speech on Israel-Hamas Conflict

New York University has withheld the diploma of a student who delivered an unauthorized commencement address, focusing on what he termed the "atrocities currently happening in Palestine," amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The private institution rapidly criticized the speech given by Logan Rozos during Wednesday's graduation ceremony.

In a formal statement released on the same day, NYU expressed strong disapproval of Rozos' actions. "NYU strongly denounces the choice by a student at the Gallatin School's graduation today—one of over 20 school graduation ceremonies across our campus—to misuse his role as student speaker to express his personal and one-sided political views," the university stated.

Rozos admitted to his fellow graduates that he had been "freaking out a lot" about his speech, but felt compelled by his "moral and political commitments" to speak out. "The only thing that is appropriate to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine," he stated. His speech, which was livestreamed but not yet available as a recording, has since appeared in video clips circulating online.

During the address, Rozos made strong claims about U.S. involvement in what he described as genocide. "The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States, is paid for by our tax dollars, and has been livestreamed to our phones for the past 18 months," he said. He extended his remarks beyond his personal views, aiming to represent "all people of conscience."

The local Anti-Defamation League reacted with strong dismay, stating they were "appalled" by the content of Rozos' speech. They expressed appreciation for NYU's immediate denunciation and commitment to disciplinary measures. "We are thankful to the NYU administration for their strong condemnation and their pursuit of disciplinary action," the organization posted on X.

NYU contended that Rozos "lied about the speech he was going to deliver and violated the commitment he made to comply with our rules." As a result, the university announced disciplinary proceedings and the temporary withholding of his diploma. "NYU is deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks and that this moment was stolen by someone who abused a privilege that was conferred upon him," the statement concluded.