The University of Michigan has issued an apology following controversial remarks made during Saturday’s spring graduation ceremony in Ann Arbor, where a faculty leader commended pro-Palestinian student demonstrators.
Derek Peterson, a professor of history and African studies who was stepping down as Faculty Senate chair, went off-script during his commencement address to highlight what he described as student activism against the “injustice and inhumanity of Israel’s war in Gaza.” Peterson connected recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations to the university’s broader tradition of student protest movements spanning the past two years.
While Peterson’s comments received applause from some attendees, they quickly sparked backlash from university officials and community leaders. President Domenico Grasso condemned the remarks as “hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community,” emphasizing that Peterson had strayed from his pre-approved speech.
“The comments were inappropriate and do not represent our institutional position,” Grasso stated, adding that commencement ceremonies should focus on “celebration, recognition and unity” rather than serve as venues for personal political statements. The president announced plans to reassess future graduation procedures, though no disciplinary measures against Peterson were revealed.
Board of Regents member Sarah Hubbard expressed her dismay on social media, describing the speech as “incredibly troubling and disappointing.” She called for the board to establish clearer guidelines regarding faculty behavior at university events.
Republican candidates for the Board of Regents, Michael Schostak and Lena Epstein, issued a combined response criticizing the use of graduation as “a stage for political activism that leaves students feeling excluded or uncomfortable.”
Peterson stood by his remarks when speaking with CBS News Detroit, arguing that “the idea that graduations should be apolitical is ridiculous.” He maintained that students should be encouraged to engage with controversial topics rather than shy away from them.
