During a graduation ceremony at Harvard University, a courageous student deviated from the traditional script and openly criticized the university for its handling of student protests against the alleged genocide in Gaza by Israel.
“In this moment, I want to acknowledge my fellow classmates – the 13 undergraduate students from the class of 2024 who will not be graduating with us today,” expressed Shruthi Kumar, a student who was selected to deliver the English commencement speech for the undergraduate class.
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Kumar’s ideas resonated with numerous Harvard students, as their support was evident through their actions. Over 1,000 students participated in a planned protest, symbolically walking out of the ceremony. Many of them proudly held Palestinian flags or banners advocating for an end to genocide.
According to the Harvard Crimson, 13 pro-Palestine students were prevented from graduating due to their participation in campus protests, despite a majority of the faculty of arts and sciences supporting their right to receive their degrees.
The students’ graduation at Harvard University was halted by the governing body, the Harvard Corporation, in a vote on Wednesday.
According to the Harvard Gazette, Kumar’s initial speech focused on the topic of “The Power of Not Knowing” and aimed to inspire students to embrace uncertainty as they move forward from school.
During Thursday’s morning ceremony, Kumar took the opportunity to share some unprepared remarks that mainly centered around Harvard’s disciplinary actions towards student protesters and the broader issue of censorship.
“I’m extremely dismayed by the lack of tolerance for freedom of speech and the right to civil disobedience on campus,” she expressed. “The students have voiced their opinions, and so have the faculty.”
Kumar exclaimed, “Harvard, are you listening?” Her passionate plea was met with resounding applause and a standing ovation.
The keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony also spoke about how Harvard University deals with student activists who support Palestine.
Maria Ressa, a Noble Peace Prize laureate and journalist, issued a warning to Harvard, urging them not to silence student protesters. According to Ressa, Harvard is currently being put to the test.
“The campus protests are putting everyone in America to the test. Protests have the power to give individuals a voice, and it is essential that they are not suppressed or silenced.”
Kumar and Ressa’s comments shed light on the existing tensions at Harvard and other universities following the crackdowns on student protesters advocating for Palestine.
A student demonstration in support of Palestine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was dispersed by the police. Similarly, the police cracked down on a demonstration taking place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, resulting in the arrest of at least six student protesters.
