During her commencement address at Harvard University, Indian-American student Shruthi Kumar criticized the institution for its handling of pro-Palestine protests. Deviating from her prepared speech, Kumar condemned Harvard’s response to student demonstrations against what they perceive as a genocide in Gaza by Israel, highlighting the administration’s intolerance for freedom of speech and civil disobedience.
The speech coincided with a significant protest, as over 1,000 Harvard students staged a walkout in solidarity with 13 undergraduates who were barred from graduating due to their participation in the Gaza solidarity event. Kumar expressed her disappointment over the decision to deny these students their diplomas, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their right to protest and voice their opinions on campus.
