University of Michigan Apologizes for Prof's Pro-Palestinian Remarks

The University of Michigan issued an apology on Saturday after Derek R. Peterson, a history professor and outgoing chair of the faculty senate, praised pro-Palestinian student activists during the university's spring commencement ceremony at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

In his address, Peterson highlighted figures throughout the university's history who advanced social justice, including suffragists who fought for women's admission in the 1850s, Moritz Levi, the first Jewish professor appointed in 1896, and students in the Black Action Movement. He then said, "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." The remark drew loud applause from the crowd.

University President Domenico Grasso responded hours later with a statement saying the comments were "hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community" and deviated from the remarks Peterson had shared in advance. "We regret the pain this has caused on a day devoted to celebration and accomplishment. For this, the university apologizes," Grasso wrote. He emphasized the university's policy of institutional...