• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Some George Mason University students walk out, turn backs during Gov. Youngkin’s commencement speech
Economy

Some George Mason University students walk out, turn backs during Gov. Youngkin’s commencement speech

by May 20, 2023
by May 20, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered a commencement speech at George Mason University in which some students protested his appearance after failed attempts ahead of the event to replace him as speaker.

When Youngkin walked up to the podium to deliver his remarks on Thursday in front of the university’s graduating class, students largely applauded the governor, although boos could be heard as well.

Most students did not put on a public demonstration opposing Youngkin, but the ones who did turn their backs on the governor, raised signs that read, ‘Mason Demands Action’ or walked out on the speech.

‘I think it feels very empowering,’ Jason Motley, a graduating student who walked out, told WUSA9. ‘I think whatever person he may be, his political views just don’t align with the betterment of this university.’

The demonstration comes after students in March attempted to pressure George Mason President Greg Washington to prohibit Youngkin from attending the commencement ceremony. A petition was launched demanding he be uninvited over his administration’s policies on transgender issues and controversial school curriculum. The petition received 8,000 signatures.

‘His beliefs don’t align with the university and a lot of beliefs in this institution,’ student Dunni Oni told the outlet. ‘My big thing is ensuring that Mason students at large feel safe, heard and protected, and he does not ensure that.’

The Youngkin administration’s proposals have included prohibiting transgender students from using bathrooms or participating on sports teams that do not correspond with their biological sex and banning critical race theory and sexually explicit books in schools.

The university’s student government and a few other student groups had released statements opposing Youngkin as commencement speaker. A protest of about 100 students took place demanding the governor be replaced as the speaker.

Still, Washington stood by the university’s decision to host Youngkin at EagleBank Arena on May 18.

‘As president of the largest and most diverse public university in our state, I support those students who are making their voices heard, and I applaud their courage and commitment to advocate for themselves and their communities,’ Washington said in a statement on March 27. ‘That being said, I don’t believe that we should silence the voices of those with whom we disagree, especially in this forum where there is no imminent threat present as a result of the disagreements.’

George Mason handed out nearly 11,000 degrees and certificates on Thursday. The 2023 class has been described as the largest and most diverse across the Commonwealth.

Joe Szymanski of the university’s College Republicans, who walked across the stage on Thursday, said the group of protesters was small and do not represent the entire graduating class.

‘It wasn’t very big, and I think most of our university as I expected was there and sat and listened to the governor give his speech,’ he told WUSA9. ‘We have a lot of people who scream and shout and that gets them the most attention, but that’s not in general how people work and that’s not how our society works.’

Youngkin became the latest sitting Virginia governor to give a commencement speech at George Mason, joining former governors Jim Gilmore, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and Terry McAuliffe.

‘The governor celebrated the largest graduating class in the history of George Mason University, their stories, and diversity of thought in the Commonwealth,’ a spokesperson for Youngkin’s office told WUSA9. ‘The governor will continue to deliver for Virginia, preserve and protect free speech, and praise the many accomplishments of GMU grads.’

<!–>

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

–>

You Might Also Like
  • Conservatives sharpen their spears for historic debt ceiling fight
  • Russia again extends detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after a year behind bars
  • Georgia universities spent millions on DEI efforts prior to state budget cuts: Report
  • Merrick Garland’s fate hangs in balance as House begins contempt vote
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
White House spars over President Biden’s lack of urgency amid debt ceiling negotiations
next post
Lawmakers reveal AI concerns over ‘future of humanity’ following OpenAI CEO’s Senate testimony

You may also like

Who is Donald Trump’s lawyer Joe Tacopina?

April 5, 2023

Alabama AG calls for investigation into Biden’s reversal on Space...

August 22, 2023

Recent French riots heed warnings from Trump, politicians amid US...

July 17, 2023

Trump says he’s a ‘believer’ in the Supreme Court after...

February 9, 2024

Tim Scott responds to Trump considering him for vice president:...

February 7, 2024

Hunter Biden investigation being mishandled, ‘clear conflicts of interest’: IRS...

April 20, 2023

GOP punches a MAGA ticket, which Democrats are already smearing...

July 15, 2024

Trump describes how he could solve Russia-Ukraine conflict in 24...

July 17, 2023

Huge majority of Americans oppose Biden running again, citing one...

April 24, 2023

New report blasts government’s COVID response, warns of repeating same...

March 17, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,633 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,321 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,303 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    AK convenes for new legislative session,...

    January 17, 2023

    HANNITY: Constitutional republic, or banana republic?...

    July 1, 2024

    Supreme Court rules to allow emergency...

    June 27, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here