MIT President Banned From Graduation for Pro-Palestine Speech

MIT Class President Barred From Graduation for Pro-Palestine Speech Cambridge, MA – Megha Vemuri, the class president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) class of 2025, was barred from attending her graduation ceremony after delivering a pro-Palestine speech. The university stated that the speech, delivered the day before commencement, had not been pre-approved. The decision sparked outrage and debate regarding free speech on college campuses. Vemuri's speech, parts of which are included in the viral video, addressed the ongoing conflict in Palestine and criticized MIT's perceived complicity in the situation. "We are watching Israel try to wipe Palestine off the face of the earth, and it is a shame that MIT is a part of it," she stated. MIT responded by saying that while Vemuri's speech was not approved, she would still receive her degree. The university's statement did not directly address the reasons for the ban, but it highlighted the importance of following established procedures for speeches at university events. The incident has ignited a discussion about the balance between free speech and institutional regulations. Many students and faculty members have expressed their support for Vemuri, while others have defended the university's decision to uphold its policies. The video documenting the event has gone viral, further amplifying the debate and raising questions about the university's approach to student activism.