NYU Abu Dhabi rejects the claims made in a recent Associated Press story (dated May 20, 2018) implying that media were blocked access to its fifth Commencement and that the University imposed “editorial control” with respect to sharing Secretary John Kerry's speech.
The assertion that media were blocked from accessing the Commencement event is a serious misrepresentation of the facts.
In reality:
- The event was live-streamed, unedited, in its entirety
- The link to the live stream was promoted, visible, and available to audiences around the world
- All members of the media who attended the event were welcome to stay for its entirety and report on the event, and the remarks of all speakers
- Unedited footage of the entire event remains available online
John Beckman
Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications
New York University
Kate Chandler
Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications
New York University Abu Dhabi