Student accused of “hate speech“ for anti-Israel speech at CUNY law school graduation

A graduation speech from two weeks ago that was approved beforehand at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law is now facing backlash, over what some critics are calling “hate speech” due to criticism of Israel. Fatima Mousa Mohammed, a Yemeni American, took to the stage in her graduation ceremony to present a speech in which she criticised systems of oppression – including against Palestinians – and extolled the virtues of free speech in resisting these systems. At the time, she was praised by students and faculty for her words. By the end of May, critics had spread their disapproval on social media, leading to international news coverage and even statements by New York Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Ted Cruz, and by members of the US Congress. Criticism of the speech led to calls for defunding the university, whose tuition is mainly covered by taxpayer money. The pressure saw CUNY’s board of trustees this week put out a statement of condemnation which said: “Free speech is pr