A Harvard University commencement speaker, Shruthi Kumar, veered off her script to criticize the school for barring 13 students from participating in the graduation ceremony due to their involvement in a disruptive anti-Israel encampment. Kumar highlighted the denial of freedom of speech and civil disobedience on campus, leading to more than 1,000 students staging a walkout to protest the disqualification of their peers. The protests involved replacing the American flag with a Palestinian one, sparking controversy at the prestigious university.
The walkout included chants of “let them walk” and signs calling to “stop the genocide.” Harvard took action against the students involved in the anti-Israel campus encampment, suspending five students and sanctioning over 20 others, including the 13 seniors who were banned from participating in the commencement ceremony. Kumar expressed disappointment in the punishment, stating that it was proof that freedom of speech and expressions of solidarity had become punishable during the semester.
The protests garnered support from more than 1,500 students who petitioned against the sanctions, along with nearly 500 faculty and staff members who spoke out against the university’s decision. Kumar emphasized that the issue was about civil rights and democratic principles and called on Harvard to listen to the voices of the students and faculty. Her remarks received cheers and a standing ovation, while some faculty members expressed their support for her speech.
Harvard’s governing board defended its decision, stating that each of the 13 students had violated the university’s policies with their conduct during the encampment protest. The board emphasized that students not in good standing are not eligible for degrees, as stated in the Harvard College Student Handbook. Amid the controversy, Interim Harvard President Alan Garber was booed at the commencement ceremony when he referenced the protests and emphasized the need for respectful expression during the event.
Harvard announced plans to confer 1,539 degrees to Harvard College students, with a commitment to fast-track degrees for the 13 excluded students if successful appeals are made. The school acknowledged the significance of graduation for students and their families and expressed an understanding of the consequences of the students not being able to participate in the ceremony. Overall, the situation highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of speech, civil disobedience, and democratic principles on college campuses, particularly at prestigious institutions like Harvard University.
