University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso apologized after a faculty commencement speech by Derek R. Peterson drew criticism under the university’s neutrality policy. Peterson, outgoing chair of the Faculty Senate, said the apology was misleading because the administration knew his planned remarks would reference Gaza. The conflict centers on neutrality expectations for leaders while navigating public protests and campus politics. After Peterson’s Saturday remarks, Grasso apologized for “remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict” that were “hurtful and insensitive,” while reiterating the institution’s position is to remain neutral. Students, faculty, and alumni demanded further action, including a call for Grasso to apologize for an apology, as institutional documents said Peterson had made “substantive changes” to the submitted speech.