Colson Whitehead Withdraws as UMass Commencement Speaker
Colson Whitehead. Photo: Chris Close c/o umass.edu
Author Colson Whitehead has informed the University of Massachusetts Amherst that he is withdrawing as speaker for Undergraduate Commencement 2024 following the events of May 7 on campus.
In an online statement, Whitehead said his withdrawing from commencement is due to what he calls a “shameful act” of calling police on peaceful protesters. He went on to wish the best and congratulate the class of 2024.
Whitehead posted the following statement on the social media outlet Bluesky on May 9:
“I sent this message to the UMass administration yesterday: I was looking forward to speaking next week at UMass Amherst. I visited two years ago and everyone was awesome. My nephew graduated from there and got a great education. But calling the cops on peaceful protesters is a shameful act…”
“…I have to withdraw as your commencement speaker. I give all my best wishes and congratulations to the class of ’24 and pray for the safety of the Palestinian people, the return of the hostages, and an end to this terrible war.” Colson Whitehead. @colson.bsky.social
UMass spokesperson Ed Blaguszewski said: “We understand Mr. Whitehead’s position and regret that he will not be addressing the Class of 2024,”
The ceremony will proceed without a Commencement speaker this year. Undergraduate Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 18 beginning at 10 a.m. in McGuirk Alumni Stadium.