Former White House press secretary to deliver George Washington University’s commencement address

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — George Washington University announced on Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s former White House press secretary will give the commencement speech at graduation as the protest and encampment on campus continue into the 7th day.

Jen Psaki will deliver the 2024 commencement speech.

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Seniors at the university who spoke to DC News Now said they are excited about the decision.

“I’m excited it’s not something more politically charged. I mean we’re standing across from an encampment,” said Jordan Saxton, a senior at GWU. “The school’s already pretty politically charged. I’m glad we’re not going too much farther into that.”

The announcement from the university came just over two weeks before graduation.

Some seniors at the university said it was a safe choice.

“There were things circulating in the school, sort of rumors like who could it be, why are they taking so long to answer it,” Amigorena, a senior at GWU, said. “It seems like a safe pick. Especially in sort of a volatile campus environment at the moment given a lot of political divisiveness.”

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On Wednesday university officials repeated their commitment to student safety, freedom of speech, accountability for violators and stability on the campus so students can complete their academic requirements and attend their graduation ceremonies.

The university’s commencement will be held at the National Mall on May 19.

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