Rudolph Angler Jewish students and their families walked out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) commencement ceremony on Thursday after Class President Megha M. Vemuri delivered a speech condemning the university’s alleged connections to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The speech, which was not pre-approved by MIT officials, drew immediate reactions from the crowd—some clapped in support while others booed and exited the event.
Vemuri addressed thousands of attendees during the ceremony and used the platform to highlight what she described as MIT’s role in backing Israel’s military actions. She claimed the university was complicit in what she called the erasure of Palestine, saying, “MIT is helping erase Palestine from the face of the Earth.” Her remarks sparked an emotional and divisive reaction among students, faculty, and family members present.
Vemuri praised students who protested after the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. She said they were brave for standing against pressure from school officials and for continuing to call for a free Palestine. She referenced student-led protests on campus and applauded their persistence in waving Palestinian flags and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
As the speech continued, some audience members began chanting and walking out. Vemuri accused MIT of aiding Israel’s military by maintaining ties with Israeli defense organizations. “Every university in Gaza has been destroyed. MIT helps fund the forces behind that,” she said, urging students and faculty to demand the school cut all partnerships with Israel.
The university quickly responded to the incident. Officials confirmed that Vemuri submitted a different version of the speech for approval and was removed from participating in the following day’s ceremonies as a result. MIT explained that while it supports free speech, it does not allow pre-planned disruptions of official events. A university spokesperson stated, “The student’s remarks did not reflect the speech that was reviewed and approved. The university maintains policies that apply to all speakers to ensure events proceed in a respectful and inclusive manner.”
The fallout was immediate and emotional. Jewish students and their families said they felt targeted and deeply disappointed by the tone and timing of the comments. One Israeli graduate said, “It wasn’t just Israeli families who left. All Jewish families walked out. People traveled from all over to be here, and this is what they were met with.” Several parents said the event was overshadowed by political statements that they found inappropriate for a graduation ceremony.
The incident reflects the growing tensions on college campuses across the United States, especially following the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas—which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union—many universities have faced protests, walkouts, and debates around free speech and academic ties to military entities.
According to campus groups, Vemuri’s statement is part of a broader student movement to push universities to divest from institutions connected to Israel. However, others on campus say that such efforts risk alienating Jewish students and creating an unsafe environment.
MIT has not indicated any further disciplinary actions against Vemuri but reaffirmed that future speeches will be reviewed more closely to prevent similar disruptions.
The controversy continues to draw attention online and on campus, with calls for dialogue from both sides. MIT’s administration said it remains committed to free expression and civil discourse, especially in times of global conflict.