Eric Schmidt Booed at Arizona Commencement Over AI Remarks
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was repeatedly booed while discussing AI at a University of Arizona commencement, reflecting wider student unease about AI and recent commencement boos over the technology.
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New York PostEx-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed by lefty students at Arizona commencement over AI, sex harassment claims
Overview
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed multiple times while discussing artificial intelligence during his commencement speech at the University of Arizona.
Schmidt told graduates there is a rational fear that machines are coming and urged the class of 2026 to help shape AI, remarks that drew continued boos.
Some student groups handed out flyers urging attendees to turn their backs or boo over sexual assault allegations made by Michelle Ritter, who filed a lawsuit in November and whose claims Schmidt denies.
A Gallup poll found 43% of Americans aged 15 to 34 said it is a good time to find a job locally, down from 75% in 2022.
Ritter's lawsuit was sent to arbitration by a Los Angeles judge in March, and a Superior Court judge said a December 2024 settlement and arbitration agreement prevent an open-court hearing.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame tech figures as out of touch and elitist, using loaded descriptors and selective anecdotes (opening ridicule, past booing examples) while highlighting Schmidt’s “rocket ship” line as source content. editorial choices—wording, quote placement, and polling links—push a broader narrative of student-led anti-AI populism over opposing views.