NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on speech by Muslim activist at speaking at New York City college (all times local):
6:30 p.m.
A Muslim-American activist whose role as a commencement speaker has been criticized is being given a standing ovation by graduating students.
Linda Sarsour is telling graduates of the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy on Thursday that they must commit to demanding change.
Critics of Sarsour, who don’t like her views on Israel, have spoken out against her being the keynote speaker. But the school administration is standing behind the decision. The dean says it is important to listen respectfully to differing ideas.
Sarsour was one of the lead organizers of the Women’s March on Washington. She has been critical of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories.
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1 p.m.
A lead organizer of the Women’s March on Washington is scheduled to speak at a college commencement ceremony in New York City, despite protests from critics who don’t like her views on Israel.
Palestinian-American civil rights activist Linda Sarsour (SAHR’-sohr) is scheduled to speak Thursday at the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.
The Brooklyn-born, hijab-wearing Sarsour has been critical of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories and supports the movement to boycott, divest from and sanction the country.
That position has made her a target by pro-Israel critics, including some who have spread false Internet reports claiming she supports Islamic State militants and Sharia law.
Sarsour says those accusations are ludicrous. CUNY has stood behind its decision to invite her to speak.
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