Last Friday, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City graced the City University of New York (CUNY) Law School’s graduation ceremony as its guest speaker. As a Democrat hailing from one of the most Democratic cities in America, one would expect the mayor to receive a warm reception from what is considered the country’s second-most liberal law school. However, things took an unexpected turn as Adams’ conservative leanings didn’t sit well with the students present. Rather than being welcomed, the mayor faced protests from the audience.
Dean Sudha Setty of CUNY School of Law introduced Mayor Adams during the graduation held at a Queens College auditorium. The dean brought up Adams’ history as a former police officer, which was met with boos from the crowd. As Adams took the stage to commence his speech, the atmosphere only worsened.
A large portion of the freshly graduated law students, dressed in their black gowns and mortar boards, demonstrated their disapproval by turning their backs on the mayor. Boos and heckles continued to fill the venue, with a video of the event even capturing a couple of raised middle fingers from some individuals. Mayor Adams faced relentless interruptions, heckling, and booing as the graduates turned their backs on him.
In response, the mayor reproached the students for their unwillingness to engage in ‘healthy dialogue.’ Mayor Adams is not known for delivering speeches with prepared remarks, so he did not have a script to adhere to. However, he was quick to react and adapt his speech to address the situation.
Adams expressed his concern about the students’ clear unwillingness to partake in constructive conversation. Despite the unfavorable reception, the mayor maintained a broad smile and credited the graduates for exercising their right to protest. He also encouraged them to play a bigger role in making a difference.
Addressing the graduates, the mayor said, ‘My message to those who believe that their beliefs are the only beliefs in a diversified city like New York, my message to you, instead of being a detached spectator in the full contact sport called life, get on the field and participate in improving the lives of the people of this city.’
While arguing that everyone needs to contribute to bettering their community, Mayor Adams implied that the students’ unwillingness to engage in open dialogue with him was a weak stance. He encouraged them to take part in making progress rather than simply protesting.
Civil discourse is an essential aspect of a healthy society, and by calling the students’ attention to it, the mayor challenged them to actively participate in it, rather than turn their backs on those with differing views.
Sadly, the atmosphere at the City University of New York Law School graduation did not reflect this important principle. Instead, it revealed a troubling intolerance for differing opinions, even coming from the mayor of the city they call home.
As newly minted lawyers, these graduates have the opportunity to effect change, promote positive dialogue, and contribute to a more unified America. Unfortunately, their demonstration at the graduation suggested that they may still have a long way to go in realizing these goals.
This incident may serve as a stark reminder that the refusal to engage in healthy debate and dialogue can severely hinder progress. For a country built on the foundation of diversity and the pursuit of justice, it is crucial to keep these lines of communication open.
Additionally, cultivating understanding and respect among people with varying beliefs and ideologies is key to a functioning democratic society. By encouraging openness, we can create a stronger bond between Americans, regardless of their political stance.
In the end, Mayor Adams made a sincere effort to acknowledge the graduates’ right to protest while urging them to play an active role in improving life for all New Yorkers. Though he faced strong resistance from his audience, he managed to convey his message.
It is hoped that the graduates of the City University of New York Law School will come to appreciate the value of diverse opinions and understand the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue, especially with conservative-leaning individuals like Mayor Adams.
After all, America thrives when its people can come together to debate, discuss, and find a common ground to resolve issues and move forward as a nation. As future legal professionals, these graduates hold an enormous responsibility to uphold these values and continue to push for a more just and collaborative society.