Logo

Megha Vemuri Responds to MIT Ban After Pro-Palestine Commencement Speech

Megha Vemuri, an MIT neuroscience graduate, faced exclusion from the graduation ceremony after delivering a pro-Palestine speech that accused MIT of complicity in genocide. Despite widespread backlash from various groups, Vemuri remains steadfast, stating she welcomes all attention if it furthers awareness of the Palestinian cause. MIT confirmed her degree will not be withheld.

Megha Vemuri Responds to MIT Ban After Pro-Palestine Commencement Speech

Megha Vemuri Addresses Backlash Over Pro-Palestine Speech at MIT Commencement

Indian-origin neuroscience graduate Megha Vemuri has spoken out following the intense reactions after her pro-Palestine remarks during her graduation speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While facing both praise and criticism, Vemuri emphasized her readiness to accept all attention if it helps amplify her message.

Details of the Incident and MIT's Response

Vemuri delivered her commencement address on Thursday, during which she criticized MIT for its alleged ties to Israel and labeled the institution as being complicit in what she described as genocide. This surprise stance contrasted with an earlier approved speech, prompting MIT to take swift action.

In response, MIT announced that Vemuri and her family would be barred from participating in the following day’s graduation ceremony. Despite this, the institute confirmed that it will not withhold her degree.

Reactions and Controversies Surrounding the Speech

The speech ignited a broad spectrum of reactions:

  • Supporters applauded Vemuri's courage in raising awareness about the Palestinian cause.
  • Critics, especially from MAGA commentators, accused her of overshadowing the event and disregarding the sensitivities of Jewish students.
  • In India, some commentators criticized her for focusing on Palestinian issues rather than addressing concerns related to Hindu communities, labeling her stance as an attempt to appear ‘woke’.

Vemuri's Perspective and Family Support

Despite the backlash, Vemuri asserted that the challenges she faced pale in comparison to the suffering of Palestinians. She stated, “I can handle the attention, positive and negative, if it means spreading that message further.”

She stood by her conviction not to partake in the graduation ceremony, expressing disappointment over MIT's punitive measures which she described as lacking due process and specific policy violations.

Her family has supported her stance during this period of controversy.

Current Status and Public Engagement

Following the backlash, Vemuri has removed her LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Nevertheless, she remains firm in her commitment to advocate for the Palestinian cause and has voiced no regrets about the repercussions of her speech.

MIT Graduate Megha Vemuri Urges Action Against Israel in Pro-Palestine Speech
MIT Graduate Megha Vemuri Urges Action Against Israel in Pro-Palestine Speech

During MIT's 2025 commencement, class president Megha Vemuri delivered a passionate pro-Palestinian speech criticizing MIT's research ties to the Israeli military. Wearing a red keffiyeh, she urged graduates to oppose what she termed the ongoing genocide in Palestine, highlighting the destruction of Gaza's educational institutions and calling on the university community to take a stand.

Global Universities Attract International Students Amid US Policy Shifts
Global Universities Attract International Students Amid US Policy Shifts

Recent US government policy changes have prompted universities worldwide to actively recruit international students affected by visa restrictions and funding cuts. Japanese, Chinese, and Hong Kong institutions are providing support, while European and Asia-Pacific countries emerge as appealing alternatives. These shifts may significantly influence global student enrollment trends and the international education market.

Sexual Abuse Scandals Rock Pakistani Madrasas Raising Alarms
Sexual Abuse Scandals Rock Pakistani Madrasas Raising Alarms

Reports reveal widespread sexual abuse occurring within Pakistani madrasas, where children receive religious education. Survivor testimonies describe assaults by clerics, exposing systemic vulnerabilities. With nearly 17,738 registered madrasas educating 2.2 million children and many unregulated schools operating, the lack of oversight exacerbates risks. Experts call for stringent reforms to safeguard children and ensure accountability within these institutions.

Harvard Students Protest Trump’s Measures Impacting International Enrollment
Harvard Students Protest Trump’s Measures Impacting International Enrollment

Harvard University is confronting significant unrest as students protest President Trump's administration's cancellation of federal contracts and revocation of authorization for foreign students. The measures risk displacing thousands of international scholars and threaten Harvard's financial and academic standing. Legal challenges and public outcry underscore concerns about academic freedom and the future of international education in the US.

US Homeland Security Revokes Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment Over CCP Ties
US Homeland Security Revokes Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment Over CCP Ties

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll foreign students due to alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party and a hostile campus environment. This unprecedented decision impacts over 6,000 international students and highlights concerns about CCP influence in American academia. Harvard is legally contesting the move amid broader U.S.-China tensions.

Harvard President Acknowledges Lack of Viewpoint Diversity Amid Funding Freeze
Harvard President Acknowledges Lack of Viewpoint Diversity Amid Funding Freeze

Harvard President Alan Garber admitted to concerns over a lack of conservative voices and restricted free speech on campus. He criticized the Trump administration's decision to freeze $3.2 billion in federal grants, questioning the link between funding cuts and addressing anti-Semitism. Garber emphasized the broader national impact of cutting research funds.

Trump Urges Harvard to Cap Foreign Student Admissions at 15%
Trump Urges Harvard to Cap Foreign Student Admissions at 15%

Former President Donald Trump called on Harvard University to limit foreign student admissions to 15%. He criticized the university for showing disrespect by not providing transparency about its foreign student population. Trump demanded Harvard share the current list of international students and urged the institution to act responsibly.

Trump Urges Harvard to Cap Foreign Student Enrollment at 15%
Trump Urges Harvard to Cap Foreign Student Enrollment at 15%

President Donald Trump has urged Harvard University to limit its foreign student admissions to 15%, emphasizing respect for the United States. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump demanded transparency regarding Harvard’s current foreign student population, highlighting administration concerns about the influence of overseas students on U.S. academic institutions.

Indian-American Student Barred from MIT Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech
Indian-American Student Barred from MIT Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech

Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American and elected MIT class president, was banned from attending her undergraduate graduation after delivering a controversial pro-Palestinian speech condemning the university’s connections with Israeli research institutions. Her address praised student protests and accused MIT of complicity in Palestinian suffering. Despite the university supporting free expression, it barred her citing misleading behavior during the event. Vemuri criticized the decision and highlighted MIT’s financial ties to Israeli entities. The incident has sparked extensive debate amid a backdrop of widespread campus activism.

MIT Bars Megha Vemuri From Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech
MIT Bars Megha Vemuri From Graduation Over Pro-Palestine Speech

Megha Vemuri, president of MIT's Class of 2025, was banned from the commencement ceremony after delivering a pro-Palestine speech criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and MIT's research affiliations with Israeli military forces. The university cited disruption of the event and violation of campus expression policies. Vemuri, a Georgia native, recently completed a multidisciplinary degree at MIT and engaged actively in student activism supporting Palestine.

MIT Bars Indian-Origin Student from Graduation After Pro-Palestine Speech
MIT Bars Indian-Origin Student from Graduation After Pro-Palestine Speech

Megha Vemuri, MIT’s 2025 class president, was barred from attending the commencement ceremony after delivering an unapproved pro-Palestinian speech condemning MIT’s research ties to Israel. Her address highlighted Gaza’s devastation and urged MIT to sever Israeli connections. MIT cited disruption and misinformation as reasons for the exclusion, while Vemuri criticized the disciplinary action as unjust.

Harvard Publisher Cancels Palestine Issue Amid Political Tensions and Academic Freedom Debate
Harvard Publisher Cancels Palestine Issue Amid Political Tensions and Academic Freedom Debate

Harvard’s Education Publishing Group has unexpectedly pulled its special issue focused on Palestine, citing editorial challenges. The move ignites fierce discussions on academic freedom as it unfolds amid increasing political pressure from the US government on Harvard over antisemitism allegations. Scholars fear this sets a dangerous precedent for scholarly work on contentious topics.

Harvard Receives 30-Day Pause in Trump Administration Foreign Student Dispute
Harvard Receives 30-Day Pause in Trump Administration Foreign Student Dispute

Harvard University has won a 30-day extension blocking the Trump administration's efforts to revoke its certification for enrolling international students, which affects about a quarter of its student body. The university argues the administration's actions violate federal regulations and constitutional rights, while facing accusations of fostering campus issues and foreign influence. A federal judge will soon decide whether to prolong this temporary order.

Indian-American Graduate Megha Vemuri Criticizes MIT's Ties With Israeli Military
Indian-American Graduate Megha Vemuri Criticizes MIT's Ties With Israeli Military

At MIT's graduation ceremony, Indian-American senior class president Megha Vemuri publicly condemned MIT's research partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems, calling for the university to cut ties and expressing solidarity with Palestine. Her speech drew both praise for its courage and criticism for politicizing the occasion. MIT's president acknowledged freedom of expression but focused on honoring graduates. Vemuri's remarks highlight growing tensions surrounding academic institutions' relationships with Israeli military entities.

Indian-American Megha Vemuri Banned from MIT Commencement After Palestine Speech
Indian-American Megha Vemuri Banned from MIT Commencement After Palestine Speech

Megha Vemuri, an Indian-American student at MIT, was barred from the commencement ceremony and campus after delivering a speech supporting Palestine. MIT officials stated that she violated event guidelines by leading a protest from the stage, prompting a ban on her and her family. The decision sparked protests during the event, highlighting tensions around free speech and institutional policies.

MAGA Targets Harvard Students Amid Crackdown on Foreign Enrollment
MAGA Targets Harvard Students Amid Crackdown on Foreign Enrollment

The MAGA movement's campaign to reshape US universities has targeted daughters of Canada's Mark Carney and China's Xi Jinping studying at Harvard, amid broader actions to restrict foreign students. Harvard lost federal certification affecting international enrollment, sparking concern about academic freedom and the value of foreign students whose contributions exceed $44 billion. Critics highlight the risk to global leadership ties and intellectual diversity in American academia.

Ukraine's Drones Inflict $7 Billion Damage on Russian Nuclear Bombers
Ukraine's Drones Inflict $7 Billion Damage on Russian Nuclear Bombers

Ukraine executed the audacious ‘Spider’s Web’ operation using FPV drones to destroy 41 Russian warplanes across four airbases deep within Russian territory, including Siberia. Concealed in modified trucks, the drones bypassed air defenses via fiber optic control, inflicting $7 billion in damages to Russia’s strategic bombers and radar aircraft. The strike marks Ukraine’s longest-range attack since 2022, exposing significant Russian security vulnerabilities and signaling a shift in drone warfare tactics.

Bangladesh Introduces New Currency Notes Omitting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangladesh Introduces New Currency Notes Omitting Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Bangladesh’s interim government unveiled new currency notes that remove the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, highlighting instead cultural and religious landmarks representing Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist heritage. This move aims to depoliticize national symbols amid political tensions but has sparked criticism for diminishing the founder’s legacy. Existing currency remains valid while new denominations enter circulation.