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.