Overview
- At the University of Michigan’s spring commencement, history professor Derek R. Peterson praised pro‑Palestinian student activists and said they opened hearts to the “injustice and inhumanity” of Israel’s war in Gaza.
- Interim president Domenico Grasso apologized, said Peterson strayed from approved remarks, said the comments do not reflect the university’s position, and the school removed the ceremony video.
- Peterson defended the speech, posted a longer video of his talk, and argued that graduations should not be apolitical.
- Michigan Hillel and national Jewish groups condemned the remarks, and Regent Sarah Hubbard plus regent candidates Michael Schostak and Lena Epstein called the speech inappropriate for a unifying event.
- An open letter signed by more than 1,100 faculty, staff, and students challenged the apology, while Sen. Rick Scott urged cutting federal funds, signaling intensifying pressure as leaders review future commencement programming without announcing discipline.