Prahlad Iyengar, an MIT graduate student, has been barred from campus over a pro-Palestine essay he wrote for the college magazine Written Revolution. The essay, published last month, has led to his suspension until January 2026, which many believe may end his academic career at MIT.
The essay discussed the pro-Palestine movement, and MIT claimed it called for violent protests. The magazine has also been banned.
In response, Prahlad Iyengar called attention to the issue of freedom of speech at American universities. MIT said his language could be seen as supporting violence on campus.
Iyengar, who is studying for a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has been suspended before—last year, for his involvement in pro-Palestine protests.
The MIT Coalition Against Apartheid has organised protests against the suspension, claiming MIT's actions stemmed from public backlash to the article.
Iyengar's essay, titled On Pacifism, was in the October issue of Written Revolution, and included images associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group considered a terrorist organisation by the U.S. State Department.
While Iyengar did not directly advocate for violence, he argued that pacifist methods might not be effective for Palestine's cause. He pointed out that the images were not his choice, but were included in the issue by the magazine editors.
The Written Revolution magazine, which aimed to express student views on the pro-Palestine movement, has also faced consequences, with its editors punished and the publication banned.
The MIT Coalition Against Apartheid stated that Iyengar's suspension is effectively an expulsion, as it would prevent his return to the university.
They are calling for a reduction of the sanctions against him and have launched a campaign urging MIT to stop criminalizing students advocating for pro-Palestine causes. A rally in support of Iyengar was held on December 9 in Cambridge City Hall.
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