The 2010 class of Syracuse University is protesting this year’s commencement speaker, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon
Due to JPMorgan’s role in the financial crisis, many students feel that the choice of speaker is insulting, especially to a group of college kids trying to find jobs in today’s economy.
A petition titled “Take Back 2010 Syracuse University Commencement” has been circulating among students and already boasts almost 900 signatures.
Student Matt Sheehan wrote next to his name:
This is a slap in the face to us students. As we enter the work world in this economy, it is an insult to have as a speaker one who bears the responsibility of why we will struggle to gain employment.
Dimon told Business Week that he understands where students are coming from.
“I gather that this was a group of students who made the selection, but I also completely understand that some people may be opposed to it,” he said. “People should stand up for what they believe in. I applaud that some folks there want to stand up for something different.”
Chancellor Nancy Cantor had this to say:
It is rare that a university is able to bring a speaker with a bird’s-eye view of, and extensive on-the-ground experience with, a major global challenge, and that was in the forefront of my mind as I made my selection this year.
JP Morgan was one of the first banks to pay back federal loans and today reported first-quarter earnings up 55 percent from last year.
Syracuse, protestors, however, still plan to hold a rally April 16.