MIT Suspends PhD Student Prahlad Iyengar Over Pro-Palestine Essay

MIT Suspends PhD Student Prahlad Iyengar Over Pro-Palestine Essay

PhD Student Suspension Sparks Free Speech Debate
MIT has suspended Prahlad Iyengar, a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, until January 2026. This decision follows the publication of his pro-Palestine essay in Written Revolution, a student magazine focused on multidisciplinary topics. His suspension has led to the termination of his 5-year NSF fellowship and ignited protests led by the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid, which condemns the action as a severe infringement on free speech.

Details of the Controversial Essay
Iyengar’s essay, published in the magazine’s October issue under the title “On Pacifism,” has been cited for using imagery and language that MIT deemed potentially inciteful. An email from MIT Dean of Student Life David Warren Randall highlighted the inclusion of images associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.

The essay allegedly conveyed themes that “could be interpreted as advocating more destructive protests,” prompting the administration to act against Iyengar and the magazine editors.

Iyengar and Editors Respond to Actions
Iyengar described the suspension and related disciplinary actions as a blatant violation of free speech principles. He stated, “The magazine aimed to articulate our perspective, explain our actions, and shed light on campus events.”

The editors of Written Revolution have also faced scrutiny, with the administration accusing them of endorsing controversial imagery. Meanwhile, the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid has intensified its campaign against these measures, calling for broad support from organizations advocating free speech and justice.

Coalition’s Stance and Iyengar’s Appeal
The Coalition equated Iyengar’s suspension to expulsion, citing the disruption of his academic trajectory and the challenging reinstatement process, which depends on the same panel that issued the suspension. They emphasized, “Prahlad is appealing to the Chancellor to revoke or reduce these unjust sanctions. We urge all conscientious institutions to join us in opposing MIT’s actions.”

The coalition has launched a petition urging MIT to end what they describe as the criminalization of student activism.