METU valedictorian delivers graduation speech that leaves a mark on the ceremony: Addressed Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil

The graduation ceremony for students of Middle East Technical University (METU) began yesterday at 18:00 at the Devrim Stadium.

During the 2024 graduation ceremony at Devrim Stadium, students and parents protested the speech of Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, who was appointed last month, by turning their backs and whistling.

Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, who was appointed by President Tayyip Erdoğan last month to replace Verşan Kök, came to the podium to give his speech.

During Yozgatlıgil's speech, parents and students protested the rector by turning their backs and whistling.

Following the protest against Rector Ahmet Yozgatlıgil at METU, the valedictorians took the stage. Valedictorian Ali Yıldız criticized the rector and explained what a university rector should be like and how science is conducted.

Ali Yıldız said the following:

"Science is not cutting down hundreds of trees in Kavaklık in a hurry. Science is not removing faculty members whose ideas do not align with yours from their positions. Science is not sending police onto students who are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest during the METU Pride March. Science is not canceling the spring festivals, the only event where students find a chance to breathe from their classes, by using problems as an excuse instead of solving them. Science is not ending all dialogue with students at the first moment of crisis, and then trying to intimidate students who seek their rights with investigations."

Valedictorian Ali Yıldız's speech received great applause.