Graduates Boo Eric Schmidt Over AI Remarks at Commencement
At a recent graduation event at the University of Arizona, Eric Schmidt, the ex-CEO of Google, faced criticism from the audience while advocating for graduates to engage with the future of artificial intelligence. He recognized the valid concerns regarding job security and the overall prospects associated with the technology. Similar reactions were reported at ceremonies in Central Florida and Middle Tennessee. On a different front, OpenAI continues to secure legal wins, draw substantial investments, and forge collaborations. Actress Reese Witherspoon urged women to adapt to AI advancements to remain competitive, as the 2026 AI Index from Stanford highlights the accelerating pace of innovation in this field.
Key facts
- Eric Schmidt booed at University of Arizona commencement
- Schmidt said graduates' task is to help shape AI
- Schmidt called fears about jobs and future 'rational'
- Similar booing at University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University
- OpenAI winning court cases, raising funds, launching partnerships
- Reese Witherspoon warned women to embrace AI or be replaced
- Stanford’s 2026 AI Index says AI is sprinting
- MIT Technology Review published the article
Entities
Institutions
- OpenAI
- University of Arizona
- University of Central Florida
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Stanford University
- MIT Technology Review
- T-Mobile
Locations
- United States