During a graduation ceremony at Harvard University, a student deviated from the planned script and openly criticized the university’s handling of student protests against the alleged genocide in Gaza by Israel.
Shruthi Kumar, a student who was selected to deliver the English commencement remarks for the undergraduate class, took a moment to acknowledge her fellow peers during her speech. She emphasized the 13 undergraduates from the class of 2024 who, unfortunately, could not be present to graduate alongside them.
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Kumar’s thoughts garnered widespread support from fellow Harvard students. Over 1,000 students participated in a staged protest by walking out of the ceremony, expressing their solidarity. Many waved Palestinian flags and held banners advocating for an end to genocide.
According to the Harvard Crimson, 13 pro-Palestine students were denied graduation due to their participation in campus protests, despite a majority vote by the faculty of arts and sciences in favor of awarding them their degrees.
The students’ graduation has been halted by the Harvard Corporation, the university’s governing body, following a vote on Wednesday.
According to the Harvard Gazette, Kumar had previously given a speech on the topic of “The Power of Not Knowing,” where he encouraged students to embrace uncertainty as they navigate through their school years.
During the morning ceremony on Thursday, Kumar went off-script and expressed his concerns about Harvard’s treatment of protesting students and their stance on censorship.
“I feel a profound sense of disappointment regarding the lack of tolerance for freedom of speech and the right to civil disobedience on campus,” she expressed. “The students and faculty have made their voices heard.”
Kumar’s powerful words resonated throughout the room as she passionately exclaimed, “Harvard, do you hear us?” The crowd erupted in applause, rising to their feet in a standing ovation.
The keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony also spoke about how Harvard deals with student activists who support Palestine.
Maria Ressa, an esteemed journalist and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, issued a cautionary message to Harvard University, urging them not to stifle the voices of student protesters. Ressa emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, “Harvard, you are facing a crucial test.”
“The campus protests are putting everyone in America to the test. Protests have the power to give voice; they should never be silenced.”
Kumar and Ressa’s comments highlight the underlying tensions at Harvard and other universities following the crackdowns on student protesters supporting Palestine.
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor witnessed the dispersal of a student demonstration in support of Palestine by the police. Similarly, in Philadelphia, at the University of Pennsylvania, law enforcement authorities intervened and arrested at least six student protesters during a crackdown on another demonstration.
