(CNN) Wichita State University Tech, an affiliate of Wichita State University in Kansas, canceled Ivanka Trump's virtual graduation speech amid backlash over President Donald Trump's response to George Floyd's death and the nationwide protests. The public community college announced Thursday that Trump would be a planned speaker for its June 6 virtual commencement, and abruptly canceled it the same day after criticism, according to a joint statement from the presidents of Wichita State and WSU Tech. "In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd's death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive," WSU Tech President Sheree Utash said in a separate statement. "For this, I'm sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding." Instead, the ceremony would be "refocused more centrally on students" and WSU Tech practical nursing graduate Rebecca Zinabu would be the sole speaker, according to the release.

Source: CNN June 06, 2020 21:23 UTC