MIT suspends PhD student over pro-Palestine essay
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has suspended Prahlad Iyengar, a PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, until January 2026 following the publication of a pro-Palestine essay in a student magazine. This decision effectively terminates his five-year NSF fellowship and bars him from entering the campus.
The essay, titled On Pacifism, was published in the October issue of Written Revolution, a multidisciplinary student magazine. According to an email from MIT Dean of Student Life David Warren Randall to the magazine editors, the article contained imagery and language that "could be interpreted as a call for more violent or destructive forms of protest at MIT." The email also highlighted the inclusion of images such as the logo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
Iyengar, who had previously faced suspension last year for participating in pro-Palestine rallies, criticised the recent action as a violation of free speech. Speaking to WBUR, he stated that the magazine was intended to "explain in our words what we were doing, why we were doing it, and what was happening on campus."
The MIT Coalition Against Apartheid has condemned the suspension, labelling it a blow to free speech. The coalition described the punishment as tantamount to expulsion due to the disruption of Iyengar's academic career and the requirement for a re-admission approval by the same disciplinary panel.
In a public petition, the coalition urged the administration to revoke or reduce the sanctions, calling on organisations and institutions to stand against what they termed the repression of student activism. They emphasised that Iyengar is appealing the decision with the Chancellor. Protests have also been launched by the coalition to pressure MIT's administration to reconsider the disciplinary action.
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“Goli maro…” slogan raised as ABVP-linked group disrupts play at University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A group allegedly linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) disrupted a theatre performance at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening. The group is also accused of vandalising property and assaulting students.
Slogans such as “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro…” were raised during the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the Observer Post, the disruption happened as Mahesh Elkunchwar's play Holi was being staged at the Department of Theatre Arts' GB Hall. The group reportedly objected to certain portions of the play, claiming that some phrases hurt religious sentiments.
According to accounts from those present, the situation escalated when individuals forced their way into the venue after damaging fixtures and breaking glass panels outside the auditorium. Students attempting to intervene were reportedly assaulted, and a guest faculty member was allegedly threatened.
Several students sustained injuries and were provided initial treatment at the campus health centre before being shifted to a nearby hospital.
Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and escorted those inside the hall to safety. Witnesses said tensions remained high, with some members of the group continuing to raise slogans during the evacuation.
