Thursday, May 21, 2026

College Graduates Boo Commencement Speakers Over AI Concerns

Graduation ceremonies are happening in many places. Recently, students at the University of Central Florida reacted strongly during a speech. Gloria Caulfield spoke about artificial intelligence (A.I.) and its impact on jobs. When she mentioned A.I., students began to boo her. Caulfield was surprised and asked, “What happened?”

Other speakers also faced similar reactions. At Middle Tennessee State University, Scott Borchetta compared A.I. to a tool that can help music. Many students were unhappy and shouted during his speech. Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, spoke at the University of Arizona and faced loud complaints when he discussed A.I. and its future.

Students feel worried about A.I. They think it may take away jobs and hurt their chances for a good future. Many have seen A.I. change their lives in negative ways. Some students want to express their anger, especially at graduation. They feel A.I. brings problems rather than solutions.

On a positive note, Delta CEO Ed Bastian gave a speech at Emory University. He said he used A.I. to help write it but decided to speak from the heart instead. Students welcomed this human touch with applause.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

A.I./eɪˈaɪ/noun
computer systems that can think and learn

impact/ˈɪmpækt/noun
a strong effect on something or someone

boo/buː/verb
to shout loudly to show dislike or anger

complaints/kəmˈpleɪnts/noun
statements saying you are unhappy or disagree

graduation/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃən/noun
a ceremony when students finish school or studies

applause/əˈplɔz/noun
clapping to show people like or approve something

How much do you know?

What did Gloria Caulfield speak about during her speech at the University of Central Florida?
Artificial intelligence
Climate change
Economic issues
Health care
Who compared A.I. to a tool that can help music?
Gloria Caulfield
Scott Borchetta
Eric Schmidt
Ed Bastian
What university did Eric Schmidt speak at?
University of Central Florida
Middle Tennessee State University
University of Arizona
Emory University
What was the students' reaction to Scott Borchetta’s speech?
They applauded
They booed
They remained silent
They shouted
Which CEO decided to speak from the heart instead of using A.I. for his speech?
Gloria Caulfield
Scott Borchetta
Eric Schmidt
Ed Bastian
What do many students feel worried about regarding A.I.?
It can improve their future
It may take away jobs
It's not an important issue
It will remain the same
Students at the University of Central Florida reacted positively to Gloria Caulfield's speech.
Scott Borchetta's speech received loud applause from students.
Eric Schmidt was the CEO of Apple.
Many students believe A.I. brings problems rather than solutions.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian encouraged the use of A.I. in his speech.
Gloria Caulfield was aware of the students' concerns before giving her speech.
Students reacted strongly during a speech by Gloria Caulfield about .
Many students at Middle Tennessee State University during Scott Borchetta's speech.
Students feel worried that A.I. may take away and hurt their chances.
Ed Bastian decided to speak from the heart instead of using A.I. for his at Emory University.
Students feel that A.I. brings problems rather than for their future.
During her speech, Gloria Caulfield was by the students' reaction.
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
A.I./eɪˈaɪ/noun
computer systems that can think and learn
impact/ˈɪmpækt/noun
a strong effect on something or someone
boo/buː/verb
to shout loudly to show dislike or anger
complaints/kəmˈpleɪnts/noun
statements saying you are unhappy or disagree
graduation/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃən/noun
a ceremony when students finish school or studies
applause/əˈplɔz/noun
clapping to show people like or approve something

How much do you know?

What did Gloria Caulfield speak about during her speech at the University of Central Florida?
Artificial intelligence
Climate change
Economic issues
Health care
Who compared A.I. to a tool that can help music?
Gloria Caulfield
Scott Borchetta
Eric Schmidt
Ed Bastian
What university did Eric Schmidt speak at?
University of Central Florida
Middle Tennessee State University
University of Arizona
Emory University
What was the students' reaction to Scott Borchetta’s speech?
They applauded
They booed
They remained silent
They shouted
Which CEO decided to speak from the heart instead of using A.I. for his speech?
Gloria Caulfield
Scott Borchetta
Eric Schmidt
Ed Bastian
What do many students feel worried about regarding A.I.?
It can improve their future
It may take away jobs
It's not an important issue
It will remain the same
Students at the University of Central Florida reacted positively to Gloria Caulfield's speech.
Scott Borchetta's speech received loud applause from students.
Eric Schmidt was the CEO of Apple.
Many students believe A.I. brings problems rather than solutions.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian encouraged the use of A.I. in his speech.
Gloria Caulfield was aware of the students' concerns before giving her speech.
Students reacted strongly during a speech by Gloria Caulfield about .
Many students at Middle Tennessee State University during Scott Borchetta's speech.
Students feel worried that A.I. may take away and hurt their chances.
Ed Bastian decided to speak from the heart instead of using A.I. for his at Emory University.
Students feel that A.I. brings problems rather than for their future.
During her speech, Gloria Caulfield was by the students' reaction.
This question is required

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