Graduation speakers receive mixed reactions when addressing AI at 2026 ceremonies

Graduation speakers across multiple universities discussed artificial intelligence during spring 2026 ceremonies, prompting varied reactions from students. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told University of Arizona graduates that AI will shape the world and asked whether they would shape AI in return.

Students responded with boos as Schmidt described fears that machines would replace jobs and that the climate and political systems were breaking.

" He described AI as one attempt to duplicate brain functions. " The audience applauded when he advised against taking shortcuts. Record executive Scott Borchetta informed Middle Tennessee State University students that AI is rewriting music production.

Some students booed; Borchetta replied that AI is a tool graduates should make work for them. Comedian Conan O'Brien joked at Harvard that AI cannot replace graduates because it will be busy replacing students at rival schools. " Fashion designer Jeremy Scott tore up an AI-written speech at the Kansas City Art Institute, telling graduates AI cannot produce an original idea.

Basketball executive Magic Johnson urged Tuskegee University graduates to learn AI, stating someone who knows the technology will replace those who do not. Journalist Fareed Zakaria gave Bard College graduates a trigger warning before discussing AI and suggested society should ask what the technology reveals about distinct human capabilities rather than what work will remain for people.