MIT Graduate's Powerful Commencement Speech Condemns University's Role in Israeli Conflict

MIT Commencement Speech Sparks Debate Over University's Ties to Israeli Military Boston, MA – A commencement speech delivered by MIT class president Megha Vemuri on May 29th, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Vemuri's address directly criticized MIT's alleged complicity in the ongoing conflict in Palestine, citing "threats, intimidation and suppression" of pro-Palestine students and the university's research collaborations with the Israeli military. "Drawing a comparison with Gaza, where no universities remain standing, Vemuri called on students to “do everything they can” to stop the war." Her words, delivered with passion and conviction, resonated deeply with many in the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The video of the speech quickly went viral, accumulating thousands of views within days. The speech has sparked a debate about the ethical responsibilities of universities in the context of international conflicts. Critics argue that MIT's research ties with the Israeli military raise serious ethical questions, while supporters defend the university's right to engage in research collaborations without political interference. Vemuri's speech serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their actions.