The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has come under fire for suspending an Indian-origin PhD scholar, Prahlad Iyengar, over his essay on Palestine, titled On Pacifism, published in the student journal Written Revolution. The incident has sparked debates on academic freedom, the right to political expression, and the suppression of pro-Palestine narratives within global academic institutions, reports the Indian Express.
Iyengar, a PhD candidate in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, was suspended in November and barred from campus until January 2026. Additionally, Written Revolution – a student-run journal – has been banned by the institute. The university cited alleged policy violations, claiming the essay included references and imagery tied to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-designated terrorist organisation.
MIT’s administration claimed that the essay featured “troubling statements” about historical violence in anti-colonial movements, which, according to complaints by some students, could be interpreted as promoting violent protests. The suspension letter from the Dean of Student Life stated that the inclusion of PFLP imagery was “deeply concerning.”
However, Iyengar and his lawyer have dismissed these accusations as baseless, arguing that the essay engaged in a critical analysis of pacifism and resistance movements rather than advocating violence. Iyengar expressed disappointment over the university’s decision, stating, “The administration’s actions reflect an alarming trend of silencing voices that challenge dominant narratives, particularly those advocating for Palestinian liberation.”
The MIT Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) issued an open letter condemning the suspension as a violation of freedom of expression and due process.
“Suspending a student for their contributions to a publication that does not incite violence but constitutes a serious engagement with an ongoing political debate is a violation of longstanding principles of free expression,” the letter stated.
The AAUP has demanded Iyengar’s immediate reinstatement and called for a fair investigation. They emphasised that the student’s work addressed an issue of global importance – the Palestinian struggle for self-determination – and did not breach ethical boundaries.
This incident is the latest in a series of challenges faced by those advocating for Palestine, particularly in Western academic institutions. Supporters argue that pro-Palestine voices are often silenced under the pretext of political correctness or security concerns, sidelining discussions on the human rights violations faced by Palestinians.
Iyengar’s suspension has drawn parallels to broader global dynamics, where the Palestinian cause is frequently marginalized, despite its basis in international law and human rights. Critics of MIT’s actions have highlighted the disproportionate focus on symbols associated with resistance movements, rather than addressing the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians.
The controversy underscores growing concerns about the suppression of dissenting opinions within academic spaces. Observers note that institutions like MIT have a responsibility to foster dialogue on contentious issues, rather than penalizing students for engaging in political discourse.
“The silencing of pro-Palestine voices is symptomatic of a wider pattern of denying oppressed groups the right to advocate for their freedom and dignity,” said a member of the MIT AAUP.
As calls for Iyengar’s reinstatement grow louder, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by those who challenge dominant geopolitical narratives. Proponents of free speech and justice for Palestine argue that such instances only strengthen the resolve of those fighting for truth and liberation.
