MIT’s Class President was banned from her own graduation ceremony after giving an unauthorized pro-Palestinian speech that prompted some audience members to walk out in protest.
At a Glance
- Megha M. Vemuri, MIT’s 2025 Class President, was banned from attending graduation after delivering an unauthorized speech supporting Palestinians
- Her speech urged MIT to cut ties with Israel and accused the university of complicity in violence
- Protesters interrupted the ceremony chanting “Let Megha walk!” while some attendees walked out in disapproval
- MIT officials stated Vemuri deliberately misled organizers by submitting a different speech than she actually delivered
- The university defended its decision, citing breach of trust while emphasizing their support for free expression
Unauthorized Commencement Address Sparks Controversy
MIT’s undergraduate commencement ceremony erupted in chaos when class president Megha M. Vemuri delivered a speech that deviated significantly from the one she had submitted for approval. Instead of delivering her vetted remarks, Vemuri launched into a politically charged address condemning MIT’s ties with Israel and expressing solidarity with pro-Palestinian activists. The unexpected change prompted mixed reactions from the audience, with some students cheering while others booed or walked out entirely in protest of the hijacked ceremony.
University officials later confirmed that Vemuri had been notified beforehand that she would not be permitted to attend the graduation events. MIT spokesperson Kimberly Allen explained the decision, stating that while the university supports free expression, Vemuri had “deliberately and repeatedly” misled commencement organizers and used her platform to lead a protest from the stage, disrupting what should have been a celebratory occasion for all graduates and their families.
Student Activism and University Response
In her controversial address, Vemuri referenced previous campus activism, highlighting votes by MIT’s undergraduate body and graduate student union to sever ties with what she termed the “genocidal Israeli military.” She praised fellow students who had participated in pro-Palestinian protests and encampments on campus, claiming they had faced “threats, intimidation and suppression” from university officials. These remarks sparked further discord during what is traditionally a unifying ceremony.
“You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine,” Vemuri declared in her speech, according to reports from those present at the ceremony.
Chancellor Melissa Nobles eventually intervened during the resulting protests, addressing the demonstrators who were chanting “Let Megha walk!” She firmly stated: “Excuse me, I respect that you have a message to send, but this is not the time or the place. Today is about our graduates and their families.” Nobles’ response garnered applause from portions of the audience who agreed that the political disruption was inappropriate for the occasion.
Consequences and Broader Context
MIT defended its decision to ban Vemuri from the graduation ceremonies, emphasizing that her actions constituted a breach of trust rather than an issue of free speech. The university maintains that all speakers are expected to adhere to approved content for major institutional events, particularly ones meant to honor the achievements of thousands of graduates. It remains unclear whether Vemuri will still receive her degree or face additional disciplinary action.
This incident follows similar controversies at other universities, including New York University, where a student was reportedly denied their diploma after delivering an unauthorized pro-Palestinian speech. The situation reflects the growing tensions on American campuses over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with administrations struggling to balance free expression with maintaining appropriate decorum at official university functions.
