Michigan Professor's Pro-Palestine Commencement Speech Ignites Antisemitism Debate and Backlash

The recent commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan has thrust the institution into the national spotlight, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestine activism on college campuses. On May 2, 2026, during the spring graduation at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, history and African studies professor Derek R. Peterson delivered remarks that praised student activists, including those advocating for Palestine. As the outgoing chair of the university's Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA), Peterson's position amplified the impact of his words, drawing both applause from the crowd and sharp criticism from university leaders, politicians, and advocacy groups.

Peterson, a MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient known for his work on African history, framed his speech around the university's legacy of student-led social justice efforts. He urged graduates to sing the fight song "(Hail to) The Victors" in honor of past activists who challenged the status quo, from suffragists pushing for women's admission in the 1850s to members of the Black Action Movement in the 1970s. This historical narrative culminated in a nod to contemporary pro-Palestinian protesters, sparking immediate debate about the appropriateness of political commentary at such events.

Peterson's Remarks: A Call to Remember Activism

In his approximately five-minute address, Peterson wove a tapestry of UMich's activist history. He highlighted Moritz Levi, the university's first Jewish professor appointed in 1896, crediting him with opening doors to Jewish students seeking refuge from East Coast antisemitism. "Sing for Moritz Levi... who was to open the doors of this great university to generations of Jewish students who found in Ann Arbor a safe haven from the antisemitism of East Coast universities," Peterson said, a line that drew applause.Watch the full speech here.

The controversial portion came later: "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." Peterson later explained he had removed the word "genocide" from his draft following feedback from university officials to avoid unnecessary provocation, emphasizing his intent was empathy for suffering rather than division.

The University's Response: Apology and Review

UMich President Domenico Grasso responded hours after the ceremony with a public statement expressing regret. "The outgoing Faculty Senate Chair made remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict that were hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community," Grasso wrote. He noted that Peterson deviated from the pre-approved script and stressed that commencement should be a time of "celebration, recognition, and unity," not political expression.Read the full presidential statement.

Grasso invoked the university's institutional neutrality policy, adopted in 2024, which limits official statements on non-university matters. He announced a review of future commencement programming to prevent similar incidents, reaffirming UMich's commitment to a "welcoming, safe, and inclusive community."

Republican Backlash: Calls for Consequences

The speech quickly drew fire from Republican figures in Michigan. Board of Regents candidates Michael Schostak and Lena Epstein labeled it "deeply troubling," with Schostak posting on X demanding Peterson be placed on unpaid leave, stripped of administrative support, and have his expense budget cut. Incumbent Regent Sarah Hubbard called the conduct "unbecoming for a leader of the greatest university in the world," hinting at tenure challenges but vowing to set new expectations.

This reaction fits a pattern of conservative criticism toward universities amid campus protests following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Michigan Republicans have previously scrutinized UMich over protest handling, viewing Peterson's praise as endorsing disruption.

Jewish Groups Voice Concerns Over Alienation

Michigan Hillel, the primary Jewish student organization, condemned the remarks as alienating during a celebratory event. "Commencement is a celebration of every graduate. It is not a stage for political statements that alienate the Jewish community," they stated on social media. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) echoed this, accusing Peterson of hijacking a unifying moment for anti-Israel politics.

These responses come amid documented antisemitism at UMich. The U.S. Department of Education investigated 75 complaints from 2020-2024, finding failures in addressing harassment during pro-Palestine protests. Incidents included vandalism of Jewish regent Jordan Acker's home in 2024 and peony destruction at the arboretum.

Photo by Finde Zukunft on Unsplash

Faculty and Student Solidarity: Over 1,200 Signatures

Countering the criticism, more than 1,262 faculty, staff, students, and alumni signed an open letter demanding Grasso retract his apology. The letter argues Peterson's words honored UMich's justice-seeking tradition, and the president's response violated neutrality and free expression principles. Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) posted praise with 500,000 Instagram views, celebrating the speech as empathetic.

• Historical parallels to suffragists and Black Action Movement activists.
• Alignment with university values of confronting ideas.
• Critique of apology as creating divisiveness.

Peterson Stands Firm: 'Michigan Is Not a Finishing School'

Peterson defended his choice, telling media he anticipated controversy but was surprised by antisemitism accusations. "It shouldn’t be controversial to say that you should have an open heart toward people who are suffering in Gaza," he said. He received 500 angry emails and threats but no leadership support beyond security. Peterson emphasized UMich's activist heritage: "We’re not a school made up of wilting flowers."

UMich's Protest Timeline: From Encampments to Vandalism

Pro-Palestine activism surged post-October 2023, with encampments in 2024 leading to arrests and federal scrutiny. Key events:

ADL reported record campus antisemitism in 2024-2025, though some decline in 2026.

National Context: Antisemitism and Free Speech Debates

UMich's episode mirrors national trends. ADL's 2026 Campus Report Card noted progress but persistent hostility. DOE probes at multiple schools found inadequate responses to harassment amid protests. Republican-led states push tenure reforms; universities adopt neutrality policies.Inside Higher Ed analysis.

Balancing Neutrality, Free Speech, and Sensitivity

UMich's neutrality policy aims to avoid official stances, but commencement speakers blur lines. Peterson's case raises questions: When does empathy cross into endorsement? How to protect Jewish students while upholding expression? Experts urge clear protocols, training.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Campus Discourse

As reviews proceed, UMich may revise speaker selections. Broader higher ed faces similar pressures: ADL notes sustained activism evolution. Solutions include dialogue forums, bias training. For academics eyeing UMich roles, note vibrant debate culture amid scrutiny.