Identity of Speakers
-
n/a
Student
Other
Resources
Additional Information
-
Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
-
Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
Rally or Protests
Title IX or other federal statute
-
Incident Status:
No litigation
- Was Speech Code incident
Summary
Between April 2024 and early 2026, the University of Michigan faced growing controversy over its handling of pro-Palestine student activism. In April 2024, following protests, the university issued tickets to demonstrators and banned some students from campus buildings. After a large May 3, 2024 demonstration, several students were suspended from campus jobs amid accusations of retaliation, and criminal felony charges were filed against multiple activists connected to protests and encampments.
In April 2025, law enforcement raided the homes of several pro-Palestine activists, seizing electronic devices as part of an investigation into alleged vandalism associated with protests. Investigations revealed that the university had hired private security contractors, including undercover operatives from City Shield, to surveil and monitor protesters using deceptive tactics such as feigning disabilities and staging incidents. Following public backlash, the university ended all contracts with plainclothes security personnel after reportedly spending millions on these measures.
On May 5, 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped the felony charges against students linked to the protests, citing concerns over political persecution and insufficient evidence. Despite the dismissal of criminal charges, the university intensified internal disciplinary measures. In June and July 2025, the Office of Student Conflict Resolution charged eleven current and former students with alleged violations, including unauthorized use of space and disruption of university operations during protests between May and October 2024. Students faced possible sanctions ranging from suspension and expulsion to permanent bans from campus facilities, prompting criticism from activists who said the disciplinary actions were politically motivated.
By late August 2025, the controversy drew national attention when U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib visited the university to stand with students who alleged they were being unfairly targeted for their activism. She urged fair treatment and accountability, while university officials emphasized the need for civility and constructive dialogue. On January 29, 2026, students, alumni, and pro-Palestine activists held a rally to protest ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Rashida Tlaib again spoke at the event, criticizing the university’s handling of the process and noting that administrators had declined to meet with students and representatives as scheduled. Some students at the rally remain subject to sanctions, including reenrollment bans, for alleged disruptions of university operations during May and October 2024 protests. These students have described aspects of the disciplinary process, including access to police reports and footage, as expansive and punitive.
The rally was also attended by Amir Makled, the attorney who defended students charged in connection with the May 2024 encampment. In January 2026, Makled announced his candidacy for the University of Michigan Board of Regents, running on a platform critical of the university’s handling of pro-Palestine activism. University officials have stated that their policies are intended to ensure civility and the orderly functioning of campus operations.
