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Students Boo AI at Commencements, Microsoft Exec Writes 3,100-Word Defense

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair, posted a 3,100-word blog after students booed AI references at commencements.
Students booed Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona when he praised AI’s potential.
Graduates jeered a Florida commencement speaker who called AI “the next industrial revolution,” with videos of heckling spreading on social media.
Critics say Smith’s essay offers little concrete action on student worries about job loss, inequality and automation.

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Story summary

Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair, posted a 3,100-word blog after students booed AI references at commencements.
Students booed Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the University of Arizona when he praised AI’s potential.
Graduates jeered a Florida commencement speaker who called AI “the next industrial revolution,” with videos of heckling spreading on social media.
Critics say Smith’s essay offers little concrete action on student worries about job loss, inequality and automation.