Indian-American student Megha Vemuri has been barred from attending the graduation ceremony at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The university took this step after Megha delivered a speech supporting Palestine during a student event. The decision has sparked debate around freedom of speech on US campuses.
Graduation Role Cancelled After Speech Criticising Israel
Megha Vemuri, who served as the Class President for MIT’s 2025 batch, was expected to act as a student marshal during the graduation ceremony. However, MIT’s Chancellor Melissa Nobles informed Megha through email that she would not be allowed to participate in the event.
According to The Boston Globe, the Chancellor stated that Megha had violated university rules by using an official MIT platform to stage a protest. She accused Megha of misleading event organisers and said that such behaviour disrupted university functions.
What Did Megha Vemuri Say in Her Speech?
At the university event on May 29, Megha wore a red keffiyeh, a traditional scarf symbolising Palestinian support. In her speech, she sharply criticised Israel’s military operations in Gaza and also blamed MIT for maintaining research ties with the Israeli army.
Megha said, “The Israeli Occupation Forces are the only foreign military with official research partnerships with MIT. That means MIT is not only linked with violence in Gaza through national policies but also directly through its academic projects.”
She added, “We are watching as Israel attempts to erase Palestine, and it is a shame that our school plays a part in this.” Megha urged fellow graduates to stand up for Palestinian rights and speak out against injustice.
Who is Megha Vemuri? A Look at Her Background and Education
Megha Vemuri hails from Alpharetta, Georgia. She graduated from Alpharetta High School in 2021 and joined MIT the same year. She recently completed her degree in Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Linguistics.
Apart from academics, Megha took part in various student activities. She served as the president of her graduation class and was involved in MIT’s student group called “The Written Revolution,” which promotes social and political awareness through discussions and events. Earlier, she also worked as a research intern at the Neuroscience Institute in South Africa.
Free Speech or Policy Violation? The Debate Continues
The incident has once again raised questions about freedom of speech at US universities. While students have the right to express their views, universities also have rules about how and where these views can be shared.
MIT stated that the event was not meant to be a protest platform, and that Megha broke this agreement. On the other hand, many students and activists believe that banning her from graduation is an overreaction and a curb on her right to free speech.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available news sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Views expressed by individuals are their own and do not reflect the official stance of the institutions involved.
Sources: TV9 Hindi, The Boston Globe
