Washington, USA: IT Bars Indian American Student from Commencement After Pro-Palestine Speech Accusing Institution of Complicity in Gaza Genocide
Megha Vemuri, the Indian American president of MIT’s graduating class of 2025, was barred from attending future commencement ceremonies after delivering a pro-Palestine speech that condemned MIT’s ties with the Israeli military and accused the institution of complicity in the genocide in Gaza.
On May 29, during a graduation event, Vemuri addressed the audience with strong criticism of MIT’s research collaborations with the Israeli military. She stated that Israel is attempting to erase Palestine completely, and expressed disappointment that MIT is involved in this
University Response and Consequences
Following the speech, MIT issued a statement, via spokesperson quoted by the Boston Globe, stating that Vemuri’s remarks “were not the ones provided by the speaker in advance.” MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles sent Vemuri an email informing her that she and her family were barred from the campus for most of the commencement day, May 30. Vemuri was originally scheduled to serve as marshal for the undergraduate ceremony but was removed from this role due to what the administration described as a violation of campus expression policies, specifically for leading a protest from the stage.
Campus Activism Amid Controversy
Vemuri’s speech highlighted the strong pro-Palestinian protests that took place on MIT’s campus in the spring of 2024. She praised the student body’s activism, stating, “You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine.” She also criticized university officials for what she described as threats, intimidation, and suppression of campus activism.
Her remarks come amid a broader wave of student protests across the U.S. over the war in Gaza and institutional involvement. However, MIT has not issued a formal public response to the speech or the ensuing controversy.
A Personal and Academic Profile
Born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia, to Indian immigrant parents, Megha Vemuri completed her undergraduate studies in computer science, neuroscience, and linguistics at MIT. She was also involved in research at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research and led the Written Revolution project, reflecting her engagement with both academic and social issues during her time on campus.
At the end of her address, Vemuri highlighted the weight of responsibility that comes with graduating under the MIT banner, stating, “The MIT name, which we now bear, is directly linked to the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. Therefore, we are duty-bound to do all within our power to put an end to it.
