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Mallery, et al v. Zarrief, et al. (Wayne State University)

May 2024
Wayne State University (Public college or university)
Detroit, MI

Identity of Speakers

  • Caleb Mallery
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and student at Wayne State University

  • Jackson Robak
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and student at Wayne State University

  • Nuzemeya Abdrabboh
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and student at Wayne State University

  • Ayah Abulenain
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and graduate of Wayne State University

  • Ridaa Khan
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and graduate of Wayne State University

  • Jenna Sukkar
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and student at Wayne State University

  • John Pablo Rojas
    Student
    Other

    Plaintiff and graduate of Wayne State University

  • Saeida Marini
    Unaffiliated
    Other

    Plaintiff and parent of Plaintiff Ayah Abulenain

Resources

Additional Information

  • Incident Nature:
    Rally or protest
    Lawsuit
  • Incident Political Orientation:
    Not Clear
  • Incident Responses:
    Student sanctioned
    Rally or Protests
    Campus police
    Other Law Enforcement
  • Incident Status:
    In litigation Federal District Court
  • Did not involve Speech Codes

Summary

In late May 2024, a group of pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment on Wayne State University’s campus in Detroit, calling it the “Liberated Zone.” The protesters demanded the university divest from companies supporting Israel and end law enforcement training partnerships with Israel. The encampment, made up of about 20 tents near the undergraduate library, drew attention including support from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib. In response to safety concern, such as blocked walkways and the accumulation of combustible material, the university moved to remote classes to keep the campus safe.

On May 30, 2024, Wayne State University police dismantled the encampment, arresting at least 12 people, including students and community members. University President Kimberly Andrews Espy said no group could claim campus property for their own use, calling the encampment a “space of exclusion.” The university cited health and safety risks and disruptions on campus as reasons for the removal. Those arrested were later released.

In June 2025, the protesters filed a lawsuit against Wayne State University, alleging the university violated their First Amendment rights by removing the encampment and arresting protesters. The complaint seeks damages and a court order to prevent the university from infringing on students’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly in the future.