The Power of Voice: Examining the Nuances of NYU Valedictorian and Commencement Speeches

Commencement speeches at universities like New York University (NYU) are often viewed as a platform for sharing wisdom, celebrating accomplishments, and inspiring graduates as they embark on new chapters in their lives. However, these speeches can also become a focal point for controversy, particularly when speakers deviate from pre-approved remarks to address sensitive social or political issues. This article will explore several examples of NYU valedictorian and commencement speeches, examining the complexities surrounding free speech, institutional control, and the responsibilities of speakers and universities alike.

The Case of Paxton Smith: A High School Precedent

While not directly related to NYU, the case of Paxton Smith, the 2021 valedictorian of Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, provides a relevant backdrop. Smith, slated to deliver a speech on the influence of media, instead used her platform to condemn Texas’s restrictive abortion law. This decision, made without the knowledge of school officials, sparked debate about the appropriateness of such deviations and the potential consequences for the speaker. Although administrators considered withholding her diploma, they ultimately did not, and Smith's actions highlight the tension between pre-approved messages and the desire to address pressing issues.

Steven William Thrasher and the BDS Movement

Steven William Thrasher, a doctoral graduate selected as a commencement speaker at NYU's Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, presented a different scenario. After complying with the administration's request to review his speech, Thrasher used the opportunity to express support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a pro-Palestinian initiative. This divergence from the approved speech drew immediate condemnation from NYU's President Andrew Hamilton, who deemed Thrasher's remarks "inappropriate" and "one-sided." The Dean of NYU's graduate school, Phillip Brian Harper, echoed this sentiment, arguing that convocation was not the proper forum for expressing support for specific political causes.

The university's reaction ignited a debate about academic freedom and free speech on campus. Critics argued that NYU's prior review of speeches and subsequent disapproval of Thrasher's remarks constituted a violation of these principles. They contended that universities should not censor political speech, even if it makes some audience members feel "unwelcome and excluded." This case raises fundamental questions about the balance between institutional control and the right of speakers to express their views, particularly on matters of public concern.

Taylor Swift's Honorary Doctorate and Life Advice

In contrast to the controversies surrounding politically charged speeches, Taylor Swift's address to the 2022 graduating class at NYU offered a more lighthearted and universally applicable message. Receiving an honorary doctorate of fine arts, Swift shared life advice drawn from her own experiences as a singer-songwriter. Her key points included:

Read also: Memorable Valedictorian Speech

Don't carry it all at once: Emphasizing the importance of letting go of unnecessary burdens and focusing on what truly matters.
Expect the cringe: Acknowledging that embarrassing moments are inevitable and learning to embrace them.
Protect your private life fiercely: Encouraging graduates to be discerning about who they trust with their personal details.
Mistakes don't equal failure: Highlighting the value of learning from mistakes and moving forward.
We're all writers: Recognizing the diverse forms of writing we engage in daily and encouraging self-expression.
Don't hide your enthusiasm for things: Encouraging graduates to embrace their passions and avoid the pressure of "unbothered ambivalence."
Your life is up to you now: Empowering graduates to take ownership of their decisions and values.
Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out: Offering a simple yet powerful reminder to practice mindfulness in the face of life's challenges.

Swift's speech, while lacking the political edge of the previous examples, resonated with graduates by offering relatable and encouraging advice for navigating the complexities of life after graduation.

Ms. Rachel's Emotional Commencement Speech

Rachel Griffin Accurso, known as Ms. Rachel, delivered an emotional commencement speech at NYU's Steinhardt School. She spoke about her experience with imposter syndrome and encouraged graduates to use their unique gifts to serve the world. Her journey into creating videos for kids began when she was looking for a show that would help her son, who had a severe speech delay, with speech development.

Ms. Rachel emphasized the importance of advocating for children's rights, including access to early childhood education, a safe place to live, and support for their families. She acknowledged feeling unqualified to do this work but stressed that "you don't need to wait for anyone else to show up. When you see a need, when you see an injustice, a way the world could be better, use the unique gifts and talents you have to serve the world."

Logan Rozos and the Palestinian Cause

The case of Logan Rozos, a graduating student at NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, represents another instance of a speaker using their commencement address to address a controversial political issue. Rozos deviated from his approved speech to condemn what he described as the "atrocities currently happening in Palestine." He further stated, "I condemn this genocide and complicity in this genocide."

NYU responded swiftly, withholding Rozos's diploma and issuing a statement denouncing his remarks as "one-sided political views." The university's actions sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian groups and advocates for academic freedom, who argued that Rozos was being unfairly punished for expressing his political beliefs.

Read also: Achieving Balance

Despite the university's condemnation and the potential consequences for his academic and professional career, Rozos stood by his decision to speak out. He explained that he "wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I spoke to a crowd of that size at this moment and acted like the genocide was not occurring or wasn’t on my mind."

The Broader Context: Universities and Free Speech

These examples highlight the complex and often contentious relationship between universities and free speech, particularly in the context of commencement ceremonies. Universities face the challenge of balancing their commitment to academic freedom with their desire to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and stakeholders.

The issue is further complicated by external pressures, such as the risk of funding cuts from government administrations that may take issue with certain viewpoints expressed on campus. As Andrew Ross, a professor at NYU, noted, universities may be "bending over backward to crack down on speech that runs counter to what the current administration in Washington espouses."

Finding a Balance: Responsibilities and Considerations

Navigating these complexities requires careful consideration of the responsibilities of both speakers and universities.

Speakers:

Should be aware of the potential consequences of deviating from pre-approved remarks.
Should strive to express their views in a respectful and responsible manner.
Should consider the impact of their words on the audience and the broader university community.

Universities:

Should uphold the principles of academic freedom and free speech.
Should avoid censorship or prior restraint of speech, except in cases where it violates established legal standards (e.g., incitement to violence).
Should provide clear guidelines and expectations for commencement speakers.
Should respond to controversial speeches in a manner that promotes dialogue and understanding, rather than punishment or suppression.

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