An Indian-origin PhD student has been suspended from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after writing a pro-Palestine essay for a college magazine last month, which the institution deemed potentially inciting violent protests.
Prahlad Iyengar, who is working towards a PhD in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, faces suspension until January 2026, which may effectively end his academic journey at MIT, as this will also terminate his five-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Iyengar’s suspension stems from his essay titled “On Pacifism,” published in the October edition of the student journal Written Revolution, which has now been banned from the campus.
MIT indicated that the essay included language that could be seen as a “call for violent protests.” This marks the second time Iyengar has faced suspension from MIT, following a similar sanction last year related to pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the university.
The administration indicated that his article featured images of posters from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), labeled a terrorist group. The college found “several troubling statements” in the article concerning the history of violence and non-violence, particularly in mid-20th century anti-colonial movements, suggesting that these remarks might be interpreted as encouragement for more violent forms of protest at MIT.
In a letter, MIT’s Dean of Student Life, David Randall, instructed that distribution of the Written Revolution issue on campus cease immediately and that it not be distributed elsewhere under any MIT name or affiliation. Iyengar’s supporters, including the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid, condemned the suspension, arguing it represents a severe action stemming from speech-related incidents.
They protested against his suspension, claiming that MIT reacted harshly due to public backlash after his previous campus ban concerning his pro-Palestine article.
They alleged that the administration combined Iyengar’s case with another ongoing disciplinary matter to label him a “repeat offender,” but then split the case in response to public scrutiny regarding free speech violations.
Iyengar described his expulsion as an “unprecedented attack” on the rights of students and faculty alike. He emphasized the need for concern over such actions on campus, urging others not to agree with his views but to defend his right to participate in important discussions.
He highlighted a nationwide trend where university administrations suppress the free speech of those who oppose the perceived genocide in Gaza. Iyengar is set to appeal the decision to the Chancellor at MIT on December 11, which may be his last chance to salvage his academic future, drawing attention to the ongoing debate about free speech in American universities.
