Commencement Speaker and ‘Cancel Culture’ Critic Gets Booed After Student Government Called His Selection ‘Deeply Unsettling’

Amidst controversy, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University (NYU), delivered a commencement address at Yankee Stadium on May 14, 2023, to graduating students, urging them to embrace challenges. His selection as the speaker had sparked significant backlash from student government leaders, who had formally protested his appointment in an open letter describing it as “deeply unsettling.”

The protest against Haidt’s inclusion as commencement speaker stemmed from his outspoken criticisms of “cancel culture” and the current political climate, concerns that resonated with many members of the student body. In light of these apprehensions, students claimed the decision represented a rollback of the university’s values of inclusion and respect, seeking to prompt university officials to reconsider their choice of speaker.

As Haidt took the stage, he was received with audible disapproval, with some students expressing their dissent through boos. Reports indicate that approximately thirty-six students walked out in protest during his address. Despite the unfavourable reception, Haidt remained committed to delivering his message, emphasising the importance of confronting adversity and personal growth.

During his speech, Haidt urged graduates to be aware of their surroundings and the implications of their digital interactions. He encouraged them to disconnect from social media to engage more meaningfully with the world around them. “Humans, and especially young people, are not fragile. They are antifragile,” he stated, highlighting the need for individuals to confront challenges to build resilience.

Haidt’s research primarily focuses on the impact of social media on mental health and its role in fostering political and social divides. Through his written work and public statements, he has become a prominent figure in discussing how technology shapes contemporary experiences, particularly for younger generations. His earlier comments about leaving a professional society over its focus on antiracism and equity have compounded the controversy surrounding his ideas.

In stark contrast to the dissent he faced, Haidt also managed to elicit moments of laughter from the audience, suggesting a mixed reaction to his address. He began his speech by acknowledging the dual feelings of excitement and responsibility he felt while speaking to the graduating class, a moment significant in the lives of these students.

The backlash against Haidt’s selection was compounded by recent university policies, where certain speeches, particularly those that could provoke controversy, were mandated to be pre-recorded. This inconsistency, noted by some students who found his live speech “hypocritical,” reignited discussions surrounding academic freedom and the value of open discourse.

As he concluded his address, Haidt shared an optimistic vision for the graduates’ futures, urging them to engage in “hard things” in their post-university lives, whether pursuing a challenging career path, further studies, or new adventures. He expressed confidence that if they dedicated their attention to meaningful activities, their lives would be fulfilling and enriched.

Despite the protests and mixed reception, Haidt’s overall message emphasised growth through resistance and highlighted the importance of personal agency in an increasingly complex world. The event exemplified the ongoing tensions at many universities between differing viewpoints, particularly on sensitive societal issues, as students navigate their identities and values in a rapidly changing environment.

While this commencement ceremony was a moment of celebration for the graduates, it also served as a platform for deeper discussions about freedom of speech, the implications of social media, and the responsibilities of academic institutions in fostering an inclusive community. As the graduates move forward, they carry with them not only their degrees but also the complexities of navigating discourse in modern society.