Students disrupt MIT chancellor at graduation after class president banned for pro-Palestine speech

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 6:39 pm

MIT Graduation Disrupted by Pro-Palestine Protest: Chancellor Confronts Students

MIT's graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 was marred by protests on Friday, as students voiced their support for former class president Megha Vemuri. Vemuri was banned from the undergraduate ceremonies after delivering a pro-Palestine speech the previous day.

During Chancellor Melissa Nobles' commencement address, students interrupted with jeers and chants. Nobles paused her speech, acknowledging the students' message but urging them to respect the graduates and their families. After a brief period of applause and cheers, Nobles resumed her address, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the graduates.

The controversy stems from Vemuri's speech at a Thursday ceremony, where she called on MIT to sever ties with Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Palestine. Her remarks, which included strong criticism of Israel and MIT's involvement, led to her and her family being barred from campus for most of Friday. Chancellor Nobles, in an email to Vemuri obtained by The Boston Globe, cited a violation of MIT's "time, place, and manner rules" for campus expression, accusing Vemuri of misleading commencement organizers. Vemuri, in response, disputed that her speech constituted a protest and called the ban an overreach.

The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and the expression of political views on college campuses, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

BNN's Perspective: This situation underscores the complex balance universities must strike between protecting free speech and maintaining order during important events. While Vemuri's right to express her views is undeniable, the disruption of the graduation ceremony raises questions about the appropriate time and place for such protests. MIT's response, while firm, also acknowledges the importance of dialogue and the need to address the concerns of its students. Finding common ground and fostering respectful discourse is crucial in navigating these sensitive issues.

Keywords: MIT, graduation, commencement, protest, pro-Palestine, Megha Vemuri, Melissa Nobles, free speech, Israel, Palestine, campus, controversy, students, chancellor, disruption, politics, education, university, Boston Globe, speech

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