Eric Schmidt gets booed at University of Arizona commencement
Eric Schmidt faced backlash during his commencement speech at the University of Arizona. Many graduates reacted negatively to his comments about AI potentially harming their future job prospects. This incident highlights a disconnect between industry leaders and the concerns of new graduates entering the workforce.
- ▪Eric Schmidt was the keynote speaker at the University of Arizona's commencement ceremony.
- ▪Graduates booed Schmidt after he discussed the negative impact of AI on their future job prospects.
- ▪The incident reflects a growing concern among students about the implications of AI in the job market.
9 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 2 days. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 3 lean left, 4 centre, 1 right.
- ▪ BBC – Eric Schmidt booed by graduates at mention of AI — BBC News
- ▪ Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed after AI remarks at Arizona commencement — /r/Technology
- ▪ Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed after AI remarks at Arizona commencement — The Guardian — World
- ▪ Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed during graduation speech about AI — NBC News — Business
- ▪ Eric Schmidt booed at University of Arizona after praising AI — Bluesky Social
- ▪ University of Arizona students boo Eric Schmidt’s AI cheerleading during commencement — The Verge
- ▪ Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed at Arizona commencement over AI, sex harassment claims from much-younger girlfriend — New York Post
- ▪ Arizona students boo former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as he talks about AI during graduation speech — Business Insider
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| Original publisher | Boing Boing |
| Canonical URL | https://boingboing.net/2026/05/18/eric-schmidt-gets-booed-at-university-of-arizona-commencement.html |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 21:29:56 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-18T21:44:56.950Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-18T21:44:56.950Z |
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| Cluster | FbHJpAfwf4aT · 9 stories |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Eric Schmidt gets booed at University of Arizona commencement Séamus Bellamy 2:29 pm Mon May 18, 2026 Commencement! A time for students to reflect on their years of hard work. They've become an expert in their field or trade, and they've got the paperwork and the massive debt to prove it. To mark this important milestone in their lives, the institution they earned their diplomas or degrees from often asks a speaker — an individual of industry or inspiration — to give a keynote and wax whimsical about what lies ahead for them. They give advice, share amusing stories, and impart a vision of your potential future.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Boing Boing.
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