MIT Student Faces Backlash for Pro-Palestine Graduation Speech

Last Updated May - 31 - 2025, 02:17 PM | Source : Fela News

MIT graduate Megha Vemuri sparks outrage after pro-Palestine speech, faces social media criticism, ceremony ban, and online harassment.

Megha Vemuri, an American student of Indian values and the President of MIT’s Class of 2025, has found herself at the center of controversy after conveying a graduation speech expressing support for Palestine. Her remarks blamed MIT’s research collaborations with the Israeli military, stating that such ties indirectly support violence against Palestinians. The speech took place during the commencement ceremony, catching organizers by surprise, as it was not the interpretation that she had earlier shared with the university.

Following the incident, MIT issued a statement explaining that Vemuri had been informed she would not be allowed to participate in the graduation events. According to the university, she had repeatedly misled officials about her planned remarks and disrupted a formal and significant institutional event. MIT maintained that the student's actions violated the ceremony's confidence and expectations, although emphasizing its support for free speech.

The speech quickly gained attention online, with many social media users strongly criticizing Vemuri. Some individuals made derogatory comments, questioning her intentions and loyalty, while others went as far as calling for professional consequences. One Israeli IT entrepreneur even posted a harsh comment online along with a link to her professional profile, which was later removed, due to the growing hostility.
Many thought the moment and platform were inappropriate, even if some backed her right to voice her opinions. The event has sparked ongoing discussions about how to combine activism with respect for institutional norms, in addition to the personal risks faced by student leaders who take strong stances on global issues.