What started as a standard spring sendoff at the University of Michigan turned into a political flashpoint at Michigan Stadium, after Faculty Senate chair Derek R. Peterson used his commencement speech to publicly thank pro-Palestinian student activists. The line drew cheers from parts of the crowd and near-instant backlash from university leaders and members of the Jewish community, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a straightforward celebration.
Addressing graduates at today's ceremony, Peterson urged them to "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," according to Deadline Detroit. The outlet notes that Peterson is a tenured history and African studies professor and the outgoing chair of the Faculty Senate.
University Apologizes For Remarks
University President Domenico Grasso did not mince words in his response. He said Peterson's comments were "hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community" and that the professor "deviated from the remarks he had shared before the ceremony." Grasso added that he would "work with university leadership to review and refine future commencement programming," as reported by Jewish Insider.
Professor Defends Speech
Peterson, for his part, is standing by what he said. In a statement to Deadline Detroit, he argued that it "should not be controversial" to acknowledge the suffering of others and framed his remarks as part of a longer tradition of student activism at the university. He invoked historical figures, including Moritz Levy and Sarah Burger, while contending that his speech honored movements that have "moved the university toward justice."
Jewish Groups And Campus Critics React
The fallout was swift. Elyssa Schmier, regional director of the Michigan Anti-Defamation League, blasted the comments as inappropriate and said they "made Jewish students… feel othered," The Jerusalem Post reported. Regents, regent candidates, and other critics also jumped in, with some calling for censure or other accountability measures, according to The College Fix.
What Comes Next
So far, Grasso has stopped short of announcing any disciplinary steps. Instead, he has apologized for the pain caused and pledged to review how commencement programs are put together going forward, per Jewish Insider. The episode slots neatly into the broader, ongoing campus battles over Israel-Palestine activism and past calls for divestment, which have already placed the university under close public scrutiny.
