A New Jersey university has pulled back its invitation to a business executive who was scheduled to address graduates next month after students objected to his social media posts critical of Israel.
Rami Elghandour, who leads biotech firm Arcellx and graduated from Rutgers University, was originally chosen to deliver the May 15 commencement address at the university’s School of Engineering.
The university reversed course after discovering that “some graduating students would not attend their graduation ceremony due to concerns about the invited speaker’s social media posts,” according to a statement from a Rutgers representative.
While the university representative would not identify the specific posts in question, they confirmed the content centered on Israel. Elghandour has not responded to requests for comment.
On his social media accounts, Elghandour regularly posts news stories and video footage showing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, accompanied by his own commentary that accuses Israel of war crimes and maintaining an apartheid system.
Elghandour also worked as executive producer on “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a documentary telling the story of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli Defense Forces.
This withdrawal adds to growing tensions surrounding graduation ceremonies this spring, as debates over Gaza war protests continue to disrupt college campuses nationwide, resulting in cancelled addresses and ceremony interruptions.
Just days ago, the University of Michigan distanced itself from remarks made by history professor Derek R. Peterson during commencement, where he briefly praised pro-Palestinian student demonstrators.
Peterson’s comments prompted Republican lawmakers and donors to threaten funding cuts, claiming the remarks fostered hostility toward Jewish students. The university president’s subsequent apology has faced criticism from free speech advocates and academic organizations.
On Tuesday, Elghandour posted a video excerpt of Peterson’s Michigan speech on X, writing: “Most people choose convenience. Professor Peterson chose principle. True leadership. Much respect.”
