The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) prevented the 2025 class president from participating in Friday’s graduation ceremony following her pro-Palestinian speech at a commencement event the day before.
In a statement, MIT did not name the student but confirmed that her remarks at Thursday’s OneMIT ceremony deviated from the pre-approved script. University spokesperson Kimberly Allen stated that while the individual had a scheduled role in Friday’s undergraduate ceremony, she was barred due to “deliberately and repeatedly misleading” organizers and disrupting the event by leading a protest from the stage.
The Palestinian Youth Movement identified the student as Megha Vemuri and shared her speech online. Wearing a keffiyeh, Vemuri criticized MIT’s research ties with the Israeli military, accusing the university of “aiding and abetting” Israel’s assault on Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 52,000 Palestinians, drawing widespread condemnation, including from the UN.
“As future scientists and leaders, we must support life, aid efforts, and demand MIT sever its ties with Israel,” Vemuri urged, receiving cheers and Palestinian flag displays from classmates. She noted that Gaza’s universities have been destroyed and condemned MIT’s complicity, citing a student vote to cut ties with Israel that faced “threats and suppression.”
Vemuri invoked an MIT tradition of turning class rings outward, symbolizing graduates’ responsibility to oppose injustice. Meanwhile, MIT President Sally Kornbluth, in her commencement address, emphasized scientific thinking but did not address Vemuri’s case.
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Vemuri joins other students, like NYU’s Logan Rozos, penalized for pro-Palestinian speeches. NYU withheld Rozos’ diploma after his unapproved remarks on Gaza. MIT has not confirmed whether Vemuri will receive her degree.