Morton Schapiro, former president of Northwestern University, has withdrawn as a commencement speaker at Georgetown University Law Center, according to a report by the Georgetown Voice. The decision came after law students raised concerns about Schapiro’s past writings on Israel and Palestine, particularly essays published following the October 7, 2023, attack.
Interim Dean Joshua Teitelbaum informed students of the change on Wednesday. In a message to the law school community, Teitelbaum cited student concerns about Schapiro’s opinions, which were outlined in opinion pieces he authored after the attack. “A number of law students raised concerns about Dr. Schapiro as commencement speaker,” Teitelbaum wrote. “After independently learning of the students’ concerns, Dr. Schapiro informed me that he regretfully has decided to decline our invitation to speak at commencement.”
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Student opposition to Schapiro’s appearance began when the invitation was announced two weeks ago. A petition against his participation, signed by 285 students, described his views as “controversial, Zionist, and harmful.” Schapiro, who has written for the Jewish Journal since 2023, included a column in which he labeled Jews who criticize the state of Israel as “useful idiots.” The term, which Schapiro attributed to Vladimir Lenin, refers to individuals who “sow the seeds of their own destruction by supporting adversaries who seek their demise.”
Schapiro explained his decision in a letter shared with students. “Those ceremonies are about celebrating the graduates and their supporters,” he wrote. “I was looking forward to giving a talk about humility and gratitude, but I don’t want my presence to distract from the day’s festivities.” Schapiro, who has presided over 28 commencements as a president and dean, emphasized his focus on “celebrating” graduates rather than addressing contentious topics.
The law school will now invite David Cole, a former national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union and a professor of law at Georgetown Law, to deliver the keynote. Cole’s background in civil rights and constitutional law aligns with the law school’s academic priorities, though no further details about his speech were disclosed.
Student reactions to Schapiro’s withdrawal were mixed. Some praised the decision as a necessary step to ensure the ceremony remained focused on graduates. Others expressed disappointment, noting that Schapiro’s withdrawal came amid broader debates over free speech and academic freedom on campus. “It’s a complex issue,” said one student who signed the petition. “But the law school has to consider the climate it creates for its students.”
Schapiro’s columns for the Jewish Journal have sparked debate within academic and legal circles. His work on faith, politics, and Jewish identity has drawn both support and criticism. While some argue his views reflect a defense of Jewish heritage, others see them as reinforcing divisive narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The change in speakers highlights tensions between institutional leadership and student activism, particularly in law schools where political discourse is often intense. Georgetown Law’s decision to replace Schapiro follows similar controversies at other universities, where speakers have faced pressure to withdraw over controversial statements.
Teitelbaum did not comment on whether the law school would address the broader concerns raised by students about academic events. “Our focus remains on ensuring the commencement is a celebration of the graduates,” he said in a brief statement. “We will continue to engage with students on issues that matter to them.”
Schapiro’s withdrawal leaves questions about the role of public figures in academic settings. While some argue that universities should prioritize neutrality, others believe that inviting controversial speakers is part of fostering debate. The choice to replace Schapiro with Cole, a prominent figure in civil rights, suggests the law school is aiming to balance its institutional values with student expectations.