Trials & Litigation
Grad sues George Washington University, Ernst & Young after Gaza ‘genocide’ remarks in commencement speech
Less than 24 hours after a George Washington University graduate included remarks about the “ongoing genocide” in Gaza in her May 2025 commencement speech, Ernst & Young illegally fired her, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday. (Photo from Shutterstock)
Less than 24 hours after a George Washington University graduate included remarks about the “ongoing genocide” in Gaza in her May 2025 commencement speech, Ernst & Young illegally fired her, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
According to graduate Cecilia Culver in her suit, the university, Ernst & Young and officials from both organizations violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the D.C. Human Rights Act with a “coordinated institutional assault” on her ability to work and reputation.
The day after her May 17, 2025, speech, Ernst & Young placed Culver on administrative leave and locked her out of her email account, according to the complaint. Although a notice saying the leave was “in connection with your speech at the George Washington University commencement,” according to the suit, no policy was violated, and no investigation was conducted or hearing was offered. She was terminated five days after the speech, according to the suit.
According to the case, at the commencement ceremony, a George Washington University associate dean told the audience that Culver “strayed from her prepared remarks,” and her comments “do not reflect” the university’s views, according to the suit.
Bloomberg Law had coverage.
Nether Ernst & Young nor George Washington University responded to Bloomberg Law’s requests for comment.
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