Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Grasso pulls Peterson video; 1,100 demand apology reversal

5/5/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Domenico Grasso ordered the 2026 commencement video with Derek Peterson removed from YouTube and described the remarks as hurtful.
Over 1,100 faculty, staff, alumni and students signed a letter demanding Grasso retract his apology to Peterson.
Peterson received nearly 500 angry emails and 20 threatening calls, leading campus public safety to protect him despite his claim of no leadership support.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, Ohio National Guard troops fired roughly 67 rounds at unarmed demonstrators at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine. The shooting, sparked by protests against President Richard Nixon’s Cambodian incursion and the Vietnam War, ignited a nationwide student strike that drew over four million participants and a 100,000-person rally in Washington, D.C.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Domenico Grasso ordered the 2026 commencement video with Derek Peterson removed from YouTube and described the remarks as hurtful.
Over 1,100 faculty, staff, alumni and students signed a letter demanding Grasso retract his apology to Peterson.
Peterson received nearly 500 angry emails and 20 threatening calls, leading campus public safety to protect him despite his claim of no leadership support.

1 / 2