tech
May 16, 2026
Arizona students boo former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as he talks about AI during graduation speech
Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, faced jeers and boos during a commencement address at the University of Arizona's graduation ceremony on Friday.
TL;DR
- Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed at the University of Arizona's graduation ceremony.
- The boos intensified when Schmidt discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society and the job market.
- Schmidt acknowledged students' fears about AI potentially displacing jobs and creating a sense of an uncertain future.
- He encouraged graduates to adapt to technology and actively shape the development and use of AI.
- Some students also booed Schmidt due to past sexual assault allegations.
- The University of Arizona defended inviting Schmidt, citing his significant contributions to technology and innovation.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang offered a more optimistic view on AI's potential to create opportunities during a separate speech.