University of Michigan Faces Backlash Over Commencement Speech Praising Pro-Palestinian Activists
At the University of Michigan's commencement ceremony on May 2, 2026, Professor Derek Peterson, the outgoing chair of the Faculty Senate, delivered a speech that has sparked significant controversy. During his address, Peterson praised student activists who have been involved in pro-Palestinian protests, which some Jewish students and community members perceive as contributing to a hostile environment on campus. The speech was met with cheers from the audience, including the university's president, who was present at the event. Following the backlash, the university initially removed the video of the speech from its YouTube channel but later reinstated it after pressure from alumni, faculty, and activists. Over 2,000 members of the university community signed letters demanding the president retract his criticism of Peterson and uphold free expression. The American Association of University Professors defended Peterson's remarks as 'measured and principled.' 
