Following public outcry and a Guardian exposé revealing misconduct, the University of Michigan terminated its contract with City Shield, a private security firm, for undercover surveillance of pro-Palestinian student groups. The university president acknowledged the investigators’ actions violated university values and directives, stating that no one should be targeted for their beliefs. At least $800,000 was paid to City Shield between June 2023 and September 2024, with some evidence collected used to charge and jail students. While the university president claims no targeting occurred, critics argue the surveillance solely focused on pro-Palestinian activists.
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The University of Michigan employed private investigators from City Shield to conduct extensive surveillance of pro-Palestinian student groups, including following, recording, and eavesdropping on students on and off campus. These tactics, which involved intimidation and even physical threats, resulted in at least $800,000 in university spending and were used to support charges against students, most of which were later dropped. The university denies targeting students based on beliefs, but the surveillance escalated following police raids and has created a chilling effect on free speech. This extensive security operation, including undercover and overt measures, cost the university millions of dollars.
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Yunqing Jian, a University of Michigan doctoral student, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, are accused of smuggling the plant pathogen *Fusarium graminearum* into the United States. Liu, who also studied the pathogen, was apprehended at Detroit Metropolitan Airport with the contraband, falsely claiming its purpose. The complaint alleges a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. involving visa fraud and false statements, citing electronic communications between Jian and Liu as evidence. The University of Michigan has stated it cooperated with the investigation and received no funding related to the accused individuals’ research.
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Approximately 250 of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens’ 800 peony plants were vandalized, with most blossoms cut and discarded. The incident, discovered Wednesday, occurred at the peak bloom time of the century-old garden. A note referencing the war in Gaza was left at the scene, suggesting a possible motive. While the roots remain intact, allowing for future blooms, the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security is investigating and seeking information from the public.
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan on behalf of five students and one community member, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights. These individuals received campus-wide trespass bans after participating in pro-Palestinian protests, despite never facing formal charges. The lawsuit argues the university abused its authority by issuing these bans, disrupting the individuals’ lives and education. The plaintiffs seek to overturn the bans and prevent future misuse of trespassing restrictions. The case highlights the ongoing tension surrounding free speech and protest activity on college campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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The University of Michigan suspended Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), a pro-Palestinian student group, for two years, revoking its funding and event-space access due to violations of university conduct standards. These violations stemmed from protests, including a demonstration at a regent’s home and an unauthorized campus encampment, related to demands for divestment from companies with ties to Israel. The suspension, announced two weeks before President Trump’s executive order addressing antisemitism on campuses, can be lifted early if SAFE fulfills the sanctions and attends policy meetings with university officials. The university maintains its commitment to free speech while enforcing policies ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.
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John Q. Hosedrinker