• NYU withholds diploma from Logan Rozos for condemning U.S. actions in Gaza.
• The speech drew both applause and criticism amid tense political climate.
• NYU claims Rozos misled them about his planned remarks.
• University aims to regulate pro-Palestinian discourse due to political pressures.

New York University (NYU) has decided to withhold the diploma of Logan Rozos, a graduating student who, during his commencement speech, accused the U.S. of supporting "genocide" in Gaza and condemned Israel's actions. Rozos stated, “The genocide currently occurring is supported politically and militarily by the United States," drawing both cheers and boos from the audience, according to BBC and Anadolu Agency.

NYU's spokesperson, John Beckman, criticized Rozos’s speech, asserting that he had misled the administration regarding its content. “He lied about the speech he was going to deliver," Beckman noted, emphasizing that NYU was "deeply sorry that the audience was subjected to these remarks," according to CBS News and India Times.

The decision to withhold the diploma occurs in the context of increasing scrutiny over free speech involving pro-Palestinian sentiments in U.S. universities, particularly following President Trump's directive expanding the definition of antisemitism. Critics argue this has pressured institutions to discipline those who voice dissenting opinions on Israeli policies, as illustrated by the backlash Rozos faced from various pro-Israel organizations, according to CBS News and India Times.

As discussions around the speech intensified, some prominent figures expressed their support for the university's actions, emphasizing the need for accountability in what they deem as misleading rhetoric. “He lied to the university. Second of all, he lied to everyone listening,” remarked Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), echoing sentiments that have circulated in response to the controversy, according to BBC and Anadolu Agency.