New York, October 2, 2025
News Summary
NYU Law School has canceled a speech by legal scholar Ilya Shapiro, set to focus on cancel culture and wokeness. The university cited security issues, coinciding with the anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel. Although the Federalist Society sought to change the venue, Shapiro’s availability did not align. This decision has stirred controversy, particularly as a similar event from the same organization was allowed, raising questions about bias in speaker selection and free speech on campuses.
New York – NYU Law School has canceled a scheduled speech by legal scholar Ilya Shapiro that was set to focus on cancel culture and wokeness at elite law schools, citing security concerns as the primary reason for the decision. The event was slated for October 7, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel, which heightened fears over security at such gatherings.
The talk was intended to discuss Shapiro’s recent book, Lawless: The Miseducation of American Elites, where he recounts incidents of cancel culture he has witnessed in academia, including his own experiences. Upon realizing concerns over security, the Federalist Society, which organized the event, sought to alter the venue, but ultimately, the timing remained incompatible with Shapiro’s availability.
An NYU administrator initially confirmed the event’s hosting, but later informed students that the speech could not take place as planned. Associate Dean Megan McDermott provided further clarification, indicating that NYU’s security resources were expected to be “strained” that week, lending credence to the cancellation.
Interestingly, despite Shapiro’s event being called off, the Federalist Society was permitted to host another event on the same week. This discrepancy raised questions about potential bias in the university’s treatment of different speakers. McDermott insisted that the cancellation was purely due to security arrangements for that specific date and was not aimed at Shapiro or his program.
Shapiro remarked on the cancellation, labeling it an example of “weak university officials” acquiescing to a “heckler’s veto.” He extended an offer to send a copy of his book to the NYU dean to encourage dialogue on the themes discussed in his work.
In a contradictory statement, a representative from NYU later denied that the event had been canceled altogether, prompting scrutiny over the university’s stance on free speech and its obligations as an academic institution.
Experts on free speech, including Robert Shibley from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, condemned the university’s actions as a prime example of a “textbook heckler’s veto,” stressing that universities should not selectively favor one speaker over others when it comes to hosting events.
Shapiro has a notable history related to cancel culture on college campuses. Previously, he resigned from a planned role at Georgetown University after drawing backlash from a social media post regarding President Biden’s Supreme Court nominee. His remarks had sparked discussions about affirmative action and racial identity in judicial appointments, ultimately leading to considerable criticism.
The political atmosphere surrounding university free speech has shifted significantly. Conservatives, who previously criticized similar dynamics of cancel culture when directed at the Left, now find themselves similarly affected as the landscape continues to evolve.
Background on Cancel Culture in Academia
The phenomenon of cancel culture has emerged as a significant concern across U.S. campuses. Discussions about the right to free speech increasingly intersect with prevalence of social justice movements that some view as intolerant of opposing viewpoints. Shapiro’s experiences reflect broader trends in which individuals, especially those with conservative or unpopular opinions, face potential backlash that can culminate in the cancellation of events and speaking engagements.
Conclusion
NYU Law School’s decision to cancel Ilya Shapiro’s scheduled speech underscores ongoing debates about free expression in academic settings and highlights the tensions surrounding security concerns, political speech, and who gets to speak on campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ilya Shapiro’s planned speech about?
Shapiro’s speech was intended to focus on cancel culture and wokeness at elite law schools and discuss his book, Lawless: The Miseducation of American Elites.
Why did NYU Law School cancel the event?
The university cited security concerns, particularly due to the event coinciding with the anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel.
Was there any inconsistency in how NYU managed events during that week?
Yes, despite canceling Shapiro’s event, the Federalist Society was still allowed to host another event that same week, raising questions about potential selective disfavoring of speakers.
Key Features of NYU Law School’s Event Cancellation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Ilya Shapiro |
| Event Date | October 7 |
| Reason for Cancellation | Security concerns |
| Related Incident | Two-year anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel |
| Alternative Events | Other Federalist Society event approved |
| Controversy | Questions about selective disfavoring of speakers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The College Fix: NYU Law School Cancels Speech About Cancel Culture
- Deseret News: RIP Cancel Culture
- New York Post: NYU College Republican President Ousted
- Washington Post: Hamas, Israel, and Cancel Culture
- Wikipedia: Cancel Culture
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HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
