Cambridge, MA— Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American student and the Class of 2025 president at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was barred from attending her graduation ceremony after delivering a commencement speech criticizing MIT's ties to Israel and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. The speech, delivered on May 29, 2025, deviated from the pre-approved version, leading to MIT's decision to exclude her from the official ceremony the following day.
Key Facts:
-
Date of Speech: May 29, 2025
-
Reason for Ban: Deviation from pre-approved speech and leading a protest during the ceremony
-
University's Justification: Violation of MIT's time, place, and manner rules for campus expression
During her speech at Killian Court, Vemuri wore a red keffiyeh and referred to Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide," criticizing MIT's research collaborations with the Israeli military as "shameful." She highlighted that both the undergraduate student body and the graduate student union had previously voted to end the university's ties with the Israeli military. Vemuri also alleged that students advocating for Palestinian rights faced "threats, intimidation, and suppression" from MIT administrators.
In response to the speech, MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles stated that Vemuri had delivered a different speech than the one approved and led a protest from the stage, which the university considered a deliberate misrepresentation and a violation of campus expression rules. Vemuri was subsequently barred from participating in the remainder of the commencement events.
Vemuri responded to the ban by accusing MIT of overreach and challenging the claim that her remarks constituted a staged protest. She expressed no regret over missing the ceremony, stating,
"I see no need for me to walk across the stage of an institution that is complicit in this genocide."
The incident has sparked a broader debate over free speech and institutional accountability in academic settings. Supporters praised Vemuri for raising awareness about international human rights concerns, while critics questioned the appropriateness of the remarks at a commencement ceremony. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned MIT’s actions as an infringement on academic freedom.
Do You Know? The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf, has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and resistance.
Key Terms:
-
Keffiyeh: A traditional Middle Eastern scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
-
Commencement Ceremony: A graduation event where degrees are conferred upon students.
-
Time, Place, and Manner Rules: Regulations that govern when, where, and how expression can occur on campus to ensure order and prevent disruption.
Meta Title: MIT Bars Student President from Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech
Meta Description: Indian-American student Megha Vemuri was barred from MIT's graduation after criticizing the university's ties to Israel in her commencement speech.