Political commentator Megyn Kelly has ignited a firestorm online after publicly criticising MIT graduate Megha Vemuri, who used her commencement address to condemn the university’s research collaborations with the Israeli military and voice strong support for the Palestinian people. Vemuri’s remarks, delivered during the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony, drew both applause and backlash.
Kelly, reacting to the speech on social media platform X, accused Vemuri of “hijacking” the ceremony. She wrote, ” So this woman hijacks the MIT graduation to make the whole thing about her personal beliefs about Israel, any insult to the Jewish students or others in attendance be damned. Selfish, self-aggrandizing, disrespectful & RUDE.”
Vemuri’s graduation speech highlights Gaza crisis
During her address, Vemuri compared the joyous occasion of graduation with the devastation in Gaza, stating, “Right now, while we prepare to graduate and move forward with our lives, there are no universities left in Gaza.” She criticised MIT for its exclusive research ties with Israeli forces and alleged that the institution had responded to student activism with “threats, intimidation, and suppression.”
“You showed the world that MIT wants a free Palestine,” she said, referencing the months-long student-led movement urging the university to cut ties with the Israeli military.
The audience’s reaction was mixed. Some students waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free, Free Palestine,” while others looked visibly uncomfortable. MIT President Sally Kornbluth, who spoke immediately after Vemuri, avoided direct reference to the speech but emphasised the university’s commitment to free speech.
“Deport them”
Vemuri’s speech, and Kelly’s sharp criticism, sparked a fierce debate online. Supporters applauded Vemuri for using her platform to raise awareness about humanitarian issues, while others accused her of politicising a solemn academic event and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric.
The internet swiftly reacted to Kelly’s tweet. A user noted, “Decent people need to just start sending their kids to SEC schools where this crap isn’t rampant. Leave all the little terrorists to the Ivy league and let them fail.”
“Deport them to whatever country they belong,” added another.
“The speaker – Megha Vemuri – has tarnished MIT’s name & reputation forever! What a normal parent would even think of sending his or her child into this cesspool of antisemitism & disgusting Jewish hatred? I’m sure that her future employers would remember her speech & will know what to do,” claimed a user. “The entire student body agrees with her though. Listen to the cheers,” said a user. “Keep politics out of schools, work, and entertainment. A thousand years from now, somebody is going to go to war with somebody else. Nothing you say today will change that,” noted a user