Blio

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s most prestigious universities, has removed Haitian linguistics professor Michel DeGraff from his teaching duties after rejecting his proposed course about language, colonialism, and liberation, including discussions about Haiti and Palestine. DeGraff had worked in MIT’s linguistics department for more than 28 years before being moved to a general faculty position. The professor believes MIT’s decision was connected to his criticism of Israel and his plans to teach students about Palestine, colonialism, and freedom. He argues that the school is limiting his academic freedom and preventing him from teaching these subjects. MIT’s reasons for rejecting the course included concerns about its place in the curriculum and other academic issues. However, DeGraff disputes the way the school handled the situation. In March 2026, DeGraff filed a federal lawsuit against MIT, claiming that the school violated his rights. The case raises questions about academic freedom and whether professors can be punished for the subjects they want to teach. The court has not yet determined whether MIT unlawfully punished DeGraff because of his opinions.