Former Google CEO Booed at University of Arizona Commencement
Eric Schmidt received boos from students during his speech at the University of Arizona graduation on Saturday. The reaction followed objections to his selection as speaker over allegations made by his former partner.
New York PostFormer Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by students while delivering the commencement address at the University of Arizona on Saturday. Students began jeering during his remarks on artificial intelligence and automation. The reaction came after student groups distributed flyers the previous evening that outlined allegations made by 31-year-old tech entrepreneur Michelle Ritter.
Groups urged attendees to turn their backs or boo when Schmidt appeared. The Arizona Daily Star reported that the flyers called on the university community to show it does not support platforming individuals facing such allegations. Schmidt, who has publicly discussed having an open marriage, denies the allegations.
Schmidt spoke about technology's effects on society.
He said the tools developed during his time at Google had produced both connection and isolation. "We thought that we were adding stones to a cathedral of knowledge that humanity had been constructing for centuries, but the world we built turned out to be more complicated than we anticipated," he said.
He addressed audience concerns about artificial intelligence, describing fears about job loss and other issues as rational while urging graduates to help shape the technology. The University of Arizona had selected Schmidt as the speaker for the event.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- Friday evening
Student groups distributed flyers detailing allegations against Schmidt.
1 sourceNew York Post - Saturday
Eric Schmidt delivered the commencement speech and was booed by students.
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
The university may review future speaker selection processes.
Transparency Panel
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