MIT SPEAKER BANNED – Gaza Speech SHOCKS Campus!

Daily Report June 02,2025

In a startling commencement speech that shook the foundations of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), class president Megha M. Vemuri accused the institution of complicity in Middle Eastern conflicts, igniting a fierce debate that ended with her banishment from future events.

At a Glance

Megha Vemuri accused MIT of aiding “genocide” in Gaza, leading to her ban from further ceremonies.
Her speech was the third this year involving elite school speakers condemning Israel.
Vemuri’s accusations incited mixed reactions, with significant protests and student walkouts.
MIT defended its decision, citing Vemuri’s deviation from the approved speech script.

MIT’s Controversial Commencement

The commencement speech by senior class president Megha Vemuri took an unexpected turn when she accused MIT of being complicit in the “genocide” occurring in Gaza due to its ties with the Israeli military. Her statements resonated with the tension following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and reflected recent student protests against Israeli actions.

Watch coverage here.

Vemuri’s address praised classmates for supporting Gaza and called for MIT to sever ties with Israel, a move that divided the attendees. This incident was part of a series of protests on campuses nationwide, with MIT finding itself at the center of polarized views on Middle Eastern policies.

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Fallout and Reactions

Her speech, which was not approved by the MIT administration, led to immediate actions by the university. Citing significant procedural breaches, including misleading organizers and disrupting the ceremony, MIT barred Vemuri from participating in additional graduation events.

“You have faced the obstacle of fear before, and you turned it into fuel to stand up for what is right — you showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine.” – Megha M. Vemuri.

The speech sparked a walkout by Jewish students, resulting in calls for MIT President Sally Kornbluth’s resignation. Kornbluth, emphasizing the importance of free expression, noted the day’s primary focus should have been on the graduates, not political disputes.

Wider Implications and MIT’s Defense

MIT defended its steps towards disciplining Vemuri, arguing her actions were misleading and disrupted the commencement focus on celebrating academic achievements. “MIT supports free expression but stands by its decision, which was in response to the individual deliberately and repeatedly misleading Commencement organizers and leading a protest from the stage, disrupting an important Institute ceremony,” noted an MIT spokesperson.

The incident, which mirrors broader debates concerning Israel and Middle Eastern policies on college campuses, further questions the responsibilities of academic institutions in global political issues. It sheds light on the delicate balance universities must maintain between supporting free speech and maintaining a focus on academic celebration.