Salman Rushdie faced backlash leading to his withdrawal as the keynote speaker for Claremont McKenna College's commencement ceremony scheduled for May 17. This decision, announced by College President Hiram Chodosh, was made by Rushdie after receiving criticism from Muslim advocacy groups and students concerned about his past controversial comments. Rushdie's representatives were not available for comment, while the Muslim student group welcomed his decision as respectful. Dr. Richard Heinzl will replace Rushdie as the speaker, highlighting the tension surrounding the choice of Rushdie and issues of inclusion in academia.
I'm surprised, relieved and happy, Afshar said after learning Tuesday that Rushdie had withdrawn.
This decision was his alone and completely beyond our control, Chodosh wrote.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to Sir Salman's visit to CMC and have extended an open invitation to him to speak on our campus in the future.
The Muslim student group criticized the college's choice of Rushdie in a Friday, May 2, statement, calling it disrespectful and out of step with Claremont McKenna's commitment to inclusion.
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