Identity of Speakers
-
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Michigan Chapter (CAIR-MI)
Unaffiliated
OtherA civil rights and advocacy organization representing Muslim communities in Michigan.
Additional Information
-
Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
Other
-
Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
Rally or Protests
Campus police
Other Law Enforcement
Title IX or other federal statute
-
Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) designated Wayne State University a “hostile campus” in August 2025, citing repeated silencing of pro-Palestinian activism and actions that targeted Muslim, Palestinian, and allied students. CAIR-MI stated that the university violated students’ First Amendment rights, referencing increased police surveillance, restrictions on access to campus buildings during protests, and disciplinary measures.
Tensions arose in May 2024, when Students for Justice in Palestine organized a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, advocating for divestment from companies linked to the Israeli government following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. University police dismantled the encampment, arrested at least 12 students, and suspended in-person classes, while encouraging staff to work remotely. University officials, including President Kimberly Andrews Espy, cited health and safety concerns and disruptions to campus operations as reasons for the removal.
After the arrests, CAIR-MI called on Wayne State University to drop all charges against the student organizers and requested an investigation into the university’s actions. Faith leaders from multiple religious traditions joined CAIR-MI in condemning the disciplinary measures and noted that the protests were intended as peaceful political expression.
From May 2024 into 2025, CAIR-MI continued to communicate about the university’s actions and advocate for accountability. The organization reported on the sequence of events and highlighted the administrative responses to the pro-Palestinian protests.
