Full Breakdown
University of Michigan Commencement Speech on Pro-Palestinian Activism Provokes Institutional Fallout
5/5/2026, 9:43:55 PM
Commencement Speech Sparks Controversy
During the May 2026 spring commencement, Faculty Senate chair Derek Peterson praised “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.” The comment received applause, then swift criticism, leading President Domenico Grasso to issue an apology that the remarks were “hurtful and insensitive” and “deviated from the approved remarks.”
Background & Campus Climate
Student activism has shaped Michigan since suffragist Sarah Burger’s 1858 campaign and the 1970s Black Action Movement. After the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, pro-Palestinian protests grew, prompting encampments, vandalism of regents’ homes, and a March 2024 Office for Civil Rights investigation that listed the university among 59 schools for alleged anti-Jewish discrimination. In 2024 the university adopted an institutional-neutrality policy that bars officials from taking public stances on external political issues.
Key Figures & Reactions
Peterson’s speech was defended by a faculty coalition of more than 1,000 signatories. President Grasso apologized, stating the remarks “do not represent our institutional position.” Michigan Hillel, the ADL, and AJC condemned the comments as alienating to the Jewish community. Republican regents Sarah Hubbard, Michael Schostak, and Lena Epstein called the conduct “unbecoming” and urged disciplinary measures, including leave without pay. Senator Rick Scott demanded federal funding cuts to the university.
Timeline of Key Events
Oct 7 2023 – Hamas attack triggers campus protests.
Mar 2024 – OCR investigation includes UMich.
2024 – Regent Jordan Acker’s home attacked three times; other regents’ residences vandalized.
May 2026 (Saturday) – Peterson’s commencement remarks.
May 2026 (Sunday) – Grasso apology; regents and Jewish groups issue statements.
Following week – Faculty letter (>1,000) and removal of speech video; university announces programming review.
Data & Impact
The OCR probe covers 59 universities. Peterson reported >500 angry emails and 20 threatening calls. An open letter signed by more than 1,000 faculty, staff and students urged President Grasso to withdraw his apology. Regental homes suffered three attacks on Acker, a fake corpse display at Hubbard’s lawn, and graffiti on Mark Bernstein’s and Laurie McCauley’s residences. Over 1,000 graduates attended the ceremony; the speech video was briefly taken down from YouTube.
On-the-Ground Reports
Pro-Palestinian encampments persist, demanding divestment from companies tied to Israel. Police provided 24-hour security for regents after threats. Peterson also received police protection after threats. The campus environment remains tense, with ongoing protests into the summer.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Peterson claims his remarks were pre-approved; Grasso says he deviated. Some outlets say the commencement video was permanently removed, others note it was later restored after copyright edits. No disciplinary outcome has been announced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Derek Peterson, Faculty Senate Chair
- “We regret the pain this has caused on a day devoted to celebration and accomplishment.” — Domenico Grasso, President
- “Commencement ceremonies exist to unite the university community around academic achievement, personal growth, and the promise of what comes next. It should not become a stage for political activism that leaves students feeling excluded or uncomfortable during one of the most important milestones of their lives,” — Michael Schostak (with Lena Epstein), Regent candidates
- “I had the idea that it would be kind of controversial, but … it shouldn’t be controversial to say that you should have an open heart toward people who are suffering in Gaza or anywhere else,” — Derek Peterson, Inside Higher Ed interview
- “If this is what Americans are paying for, it’s time to cut them off COMPLETELY.” — Senator Rick Scott, Florida
What’s Next
The university will review its commencement programming and institutional-neutrality policy. Regents will consider possible sanctions at the next board meeting, while faculty and student groups prepare additional petitions. Legal challenges over free-speech protections are expected to continue.
