Salman Rushdie Withdraws as Claremont McKenna Commencement Speaker Amid Protests

Salman Rushdie has withdrawn as the keynote speaker for Claremont McKenna College's commencement ceremony following protests and criticism from Muslim student groups and community organizations, including the Muslim Student Association and the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The groups expressed concerns about Rushdie's past remarks about Muslims and Palestine, calling his selection disrespectful and inconsistent with the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion. College President Hiram Chodosh stated that Rushdie's decision was voluntary and beyond the college's control, but reaffirmed the institution's commitment to hosting Rushdie on campus in the future. Dr. Richard Heinzl, founder of Doctors Without Borders Canada and CEO of My Next Health, was named as the replacement commencement speaker. The controversy was heightened by the historical context of Rushdie receiving worldwide death threats following his novel "The Satanic Verses." The college's Muslim student leaders welcomed Rushdie's withdrawal, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a campus environment respectful of all faiths.