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A University of Michigan professor sparked backlash after praising anti-Israel student activists in a commencement speech at a graduation ceremony last Saturday..
Professor Derek Peterson, the outgoing chair of the university’s Faculty Senate, drew applause from parts of the audience after declaring, “Sing for the pro-Palestinian student activists, who have, over these past two years, opened our hearts to the injustice and inhumanity of Israel’s war in Gaza.”
University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso publicly rebuked the remarks, calling them “hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community.” He emphasized that commencement ceremonies were not meant to serve as platforms for political activism.
The university temporarily removed video of the address from its YouTube account before restoring it. Peterson subsequently reposted the speech on X, writing that his remarks had created “a furor” within the administration and online. He later urged graduates to “go out there and make good trouble.”
Following the issuance of letters of support by over 2000 students, staff, and alumni for UMich prof. Derek Peterson, his Saturday speech praising anti Israel student activists was restored to the university YouTube account. pic.twitter.com/64IrYks4ov
— Michael Starr (@StarrJpost) May 6, 2026
The controversy comes amid a surge in anti-Israel activism on university campuses following the October 7th Hamas massacre in Israel, which has contributed to a hostile environment for Jewish students.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit said Peterson’s remarks were “deeply insensitive and hurtful” to Jewish students and graduates who have faced harassment and intimidation because of their Jewish identity or connection to Israel.
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