More universities are disinviting commencement speakers who might challenge students’ ideas, unraveling an apolitical tradition

It’s no longer uncommon for scheduled university commencement speakers to have their invitations rescinded following backlash over their politics.

By: Austin Sarat, Amherst College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 20, 2026

Words: 1,363

Last Updated: 2 months ago

Body Text Preview

By Austin Sarat, Amherst College

Delivering a university commencement address used to simply be a unique kind of honor. Speakers stand before a podium, wearing a traditional graduation cap and robe, and offer graduates life lessons and inspirational words as they enter the next phase of life.

But today, speaking at a university commencement ceremony carries considerable risk, as Morton Schapiro, former president of Northwestern University, recently found out. Schapiro was scheduled to speak …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us