Colson Whitehead Withdraws as Commencement Speaker

Author Colson Whitehead has informed the University of Massachusetts Amherst that he is withdrawing as speaker for Undergraduate Commencement 2024 following the events of May 7 on campus.

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“We respect Mr. Whitehead’s position and regret that he will not be addressing the Class of 2024,” campus spokesperson Ed Blaguszewski said.

The ceremony will proceed without a Commencement speaker this year. Undergraduate Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 18 beginning at 10 a.m. in McGuirk Alumni Stadium.