Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American student and president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Class of 2025, was barred from participating in her own graduation ceremony after delivering a pro-Palestinian speech at an official university event on May 29.
Vemuri, who had been selected as the student marshal for the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony, reportedly deviated from her pre-approved speech to criticize MIT’s partnerships with Israeli institutions and defense entities. Wearing a red keffiyeh — a symbol of Palestinian solidarity — she accused the university of being complicit in what she described as “genocide” against Palestinians.
The unapproved remarks, delivered before thousands of attendees, prompted mixed reactions, with some members of the audience applauding while others walked out in protest.
Following the event, MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles informed Vemuri via email that she would be removed from her ceremonial role and prohibited from attending her own graduation. The ban extended to her family members, who were also denied access to most campus activities on commencement day.
MIT cited violations of institutional policies as the reason behind the decision. According to the administration, Vemuri knowingly went against event guidelines and used the platform for protest without approval, a move they described as disruptive and misleading.
Vemuri responded publicly, calling MIT’s actions “an overreach” and expressing disappointment over what she sees as a suppression of student voices and political expression. “I spoke out because silence is complicity,” she stated. “Instead of engaging with the substance of my message, the administration chose to penalize me for delivering it.”
The incident has sparked intense debate online and on campus, with students, alumni, and advocacy groups weighing in on issues of free speech, academic freedom, and the right to protest. Some have defended Vemuri’s actions as a courageous stand, while others argue that official university events should remain apolitical.
As discussions around Israel and Palestine continue to intensify on U.S. campuses, Vemuri’s exclusion underscores the growing tension between institutional control and student activism.
