MIT suspends Indian-origin student Prahlad Iyengar over controversial essay; what was it - Explained
- A controversy arose after MIT suspended Prahlad Iyengar, an Indian-origin student, for an essay published in the college magazine.
A massive row errupted after The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suspended Prahlad Iyengar, Indian-origin student, due to an essay he wrote for the college magazine. The suspension came after Prahlad wrote a pro-Palestine movement essay in college magazine Written Revolution last month. The essay titled, ‘On Pacifism’ was published in the October issue of the magazine.
As per India Today report, Indian-origin student has been suspended from MIT till January 2026. This suspension also results in the termination of his 5-year NSF fellowship, significantly impacting his academic career.
What did MIT say about Prahlad Iyengar's essay?
In an email sent by MIT Dean of Student Life David Warren Randall, to the magazine editors, eh wrote, Iyenger’s article “could be interpreted as a call for more violent or destructive forms of protests at MIT."
Prahlad Iyengar's message on ban from MIT
“Expelling me and banning Written Revolution from campus as a result of this article would mark an unprecedented attack on the rights of the entire student body and faculty. Consider the precedent MIT has set, ” he said in a post.
In a post on Instagram, he mentioned that the incident occured in November. He added, “MIT accuses me of terrorism, but how far will this label be applied? Supporters of Israel have used the word terrorist to describe United NAtions bodies like UNRWA, poets like Mosab Abu Toha, and journalist like Bisan-Owda. Will MIT ban UN rapporteurs, poets or visiting professors from speaking on the grounds that they are "terrorists" who promote violence?"
MIT Coalition Against Apartheid took to social media platform X and informed that "Prahlad is now appealing the decision to the Chancellor at MIT on December 11" The coalition has also launched a campaign in demanding the university to reverse its expulsion decision.
His lawyer Eric Lee took to X and issued a statement saying, “The decision against Prahlad Iyengar is a major blow to free speech everywhere. MIT's admin is so deeply connected to the war profiteers that it cannot tolerate pro-Palestinian speech. This sets tone for further attacks to speech coming under Trump.”
All you need to know about Prahlad Iyengar
Iyengar is second year PhD student in the Electrical Engineering Department.
This is not the first time he is facing suspension as several reports indicated that Iyengar was suspended last year in connection with his pro-Palestine demonstrations.
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Business NewsNewsMIT suspends Indian-origin student Prahlad Iyengar over controversial essay; what was it - Explained
First Published:11 Dec 2024, 12:32 PM IST
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