Longer clip (via UMich FSJP):

Professor Derek R. Peterson, a University of Michigan historian and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, thanked “pro-Palestinian student activists” during a graduation speech today, for “opening our hearts to the injustices and inhumanity of Israel’s war in Gaza.” Peterson teaches history and African studies at the University of Michigan, where he also became chair of the faculty senate in 2025.

Full remarks:

Professor Derek Peterson at the University of Michigan is ALI MAZRUHI Professor of History and African Studies. I really like it when I come across professors all around the world who are TRULY worthy/deserving of the Endowed Chairs they hold. Ali Mazruhi was a great Kenyan intellectual and academic. Peterson: "The greatness of this university rests also on the COURAGE AND THE CONVICTION OF STUDENT ACTIVISTS who have pushed this university down the path toward justice." Ideally, this should be a universal principle all universities around the world own....unfortunately, it can be a reality only in truly democratic countries whose leaders do not fear the "university" and its intellectual and revolutionary potential. No, I did not say USA is a democratic country. We all have seen what happened to the anti-genocide/pro-Palestine student encampments on college / university campuses all around the USA. #GazaHolocaust

This man has disgraced himself and disgraced the University of Michigan. He should be terminated immediately!

Great comments. Free speech is free speech is free speech.

An actual professor with cohones!

Free Speech is still free in America.

What you think of this speech @AbdulElSayed @hasanthehun ?

🫡

#RESPECT #REFLECT #TruthHurts Complicit #Hypocrites 😢 Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. #WarCriminals #BoycottIsrael From the river to the sea Palestine 🇵🇸 will be free. إن شاء الله

What you think of this speech @AbdulElSayed @hasanthehun ?

You area an idiot!