University of Vermont cancels UN president’s target amid Gaza protests , | The Hill
In response to pro-Palestine protests that have swept colleges across the country, the University of Vermont ( UVM ) has canceled United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s commencement speech.
” We are looking forward to the upcoming Commencement festivities and the opportunity to enjoy our 2024 UVM grads”, Sandy Garimella, the school’s chairman, said in a text to the school area Friday obtained by The Hill.  ,
” After their years of hard work and determination to success, they deserve a trip of ceremony and celebration befitting their accomplishment”, Garmimella continued. ” It is with dread that I share that our prepared speech, Ambassador Linda Thomas- Greenfield, will not be joining us to give the Commencement target”.
An Instagram article by UVM’s section of Individuals for Justice in Palestine celebrated the withdrawal, calling Thomas- Greenfield a “war criminal”.
Pro-Palestinian protestors have criticized President Biden and his management for how they handled the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in light of the Gaza humanitarian crises. The College Democrats of America, the Democratic National Committee’s school referral arm, has also criticized the White House for handling the issue and expressed cooperation with the pro-Palestine protest.
The White House has adopted a bear-hugging approach toward [ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and a cold-heart approach toward its own center and all Americans who want to see this battle end. More and more children find themselves disillusioned with the group each day that Democrats remain silent about a lasting ceasefire, two-state solution, and acknowledgement of a Palestinian condition, according to a statement from the College Democrats.  ,
In prepared remarks made Thursday at the White House, President Biden criticized some new pro-Palestinian protests, including home damage.
” Destroying home is not a peaceful protest, it’s against the law. Vandalism, trespass, breaking panels, shutting down schools, forcing the cancellation of groups and completion. None of this is a quiet opposition, threatening people, intimidating people”, Biden said.
In recent months, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrations have erupted in various higher education institutions, causing numerous colleges, including UVM, to change their undergraduate programs.
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