Microsoft Has an Answer to Anti-AI Boos From the Class of 2026

In recent weeks, the Class of 2026 has made its displeasure with AI abundantly clear, loudly booing speakers touting the technology during commencement speeches.

Microsoft Corp. President Brad Smith was paying attention.

“I think this is a moment where the industry needs to rise to the occasion and show that it can address the questions that people have in a serious and credible way,” he said in an interview.

Smith elaborated on his thinking in a blog post published on Wednesday that was sparked by a recent visit to Princeton University, his alma mater. While there, he learned that graduating ...