In a world where the voices of the oppressed are often silenced, it takes courage and determination to speak up and demand justice. This is exactly what Nadya Tannous, a Harvard graduate and commencement speaker, did when she chose to center Palestine in her speech at the prestigious university’s graduation ceremony.
Tannous, who is of Palestinian descent, had prepared a powerful speech that highlighted the ongoing genocide and human rights violations faced by the Palestinian people. However, just days before the ceremony, she received an email from Harvard’s administration asking her to remove any mention of Palestine from her speech. In an interview with The Intercept, Tannous revealed that she was told by the administration that her speech would not be approved if she did not comply with their request.
But Tannous refused to be silenced. She stood her ground and made the bold decision to deliver her original speech, despite the potential consequences. And on the day of the commencement, she did just that.
“I wanted to center Palestine,” Tannous told The Intercept. And center Palestine she did. In her powerful speech, she spoke about her personal connection to Palestine and the struggles faced by her people. She highlighted the ongoing occupation, the displacement of Palestinians from their homes, and the systematic erasure of their culture and identity.
Tannous also shed light on the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, a topic that is often ignored or downplayed in mainstream media. She called for an end to the violence and oppression faced by Palestinians and urged the audience to stand in solidarity with them.
Her speech was met with a standing ovation from the audience, who were moved by her bravery and powerful words. However, the administration’s attempt to silence her did not go unnoticed. The Intercept, a news organization known for its fearless reporting, published Tannous’ full speech, which had been suppressed by Harvard.
In their article, The Intercept stated, “We’re publishing the speech that Harvard suppressed for mentioning genocide.” This bold move by the news organization not only gave Tannous a platform to share her message with the world, but it also brought attention to the issue of censorship and the silencing of marginalized voices.
Tannous’ speech and The Intercept’s decision to publish it have sparked a much-needed conversation about the suppression of Palestinian narratives and the importance of standing up against injustice. It has also shed light on the role of universities in promoting free speech and allowing diverse perspectives to be heard.
As we celebrate the achievements of the Harvard graduating class of 2021, let us also recognize the bravery and resilience of Nadya Tannous. She chose to use her platform to speak truth to power and demand justice for her people. Her courage and determination serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that our voices have the power to bring about change.
In a world where the Palestinian people continue to face oppression and violence, it is crucial that we do not turn a blind eye to their struggles. We must stand in solidarity with them and amplify their voices, just as The Intercept did by publishing Tannous’ speech.
As we move forward, let us remember the words of Nadya Tannous, “We must center Palestine because Palestine is at the center of our humanity.” Let us continue to center Palestine and all oppressed communities, and work towards a world where justice and equality prevail.
