Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead has made the decision to cancel his upcoming commencement speech at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in light of recent events. Whitehead expressed his disappointment in a social media post, citing the arrests of anti-Israel protesters on campus earlier in the week as the reason for his withdrawal.
Whitehead, known for his acclaimed literary works, had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to address the graduating class at UMass Amherst. However, he expressed his disapproval of the university's response to the peaceful protesters, labeling the act of calling the police on them as 'shameful.'
Following the arrests of over 130 protesters at an anti-Israel demonstration on campus, tensions escalated as video footage surfaced showing police intervention during the protest. The UMass Students for Justice in Palestine group shared videos on social media depicting the moment police moved in on the chanting protesters.
UMass spokesperson Edward Blaguszewski issued a statement addressing the situation, labeling the encampment as 'unauthorized' and emphasizing the removal of wooden barricades constructed on campus.
Whitehead's decision to withdraw as the commencement speaker reflects his stance on the events that transpired at UMass Amherst. He extended his best wishes to the graduating class of '24 while also expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict.
