ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Six current and former University of Michigan students filed a federal lawsuit on Friday, Dec. 20 against the University of Michigan, accusing it of violating their constitutional rights during disciplinary actions stemming from their pro-Palestinian protests.
The plaintiffs claim the university suppressed their free speech, denied due process, and failed to offer equal protection.
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This lawsuit follows a long period of tension on campus as demonstrations escalated into acts that critics have labeled disruptive and, at times, antisemitic.
The defendants in the case are the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents, its president, Santa Ono, vice president for student life, Martino Harmon, and two independent consultants, Omar Torres and Stephanie Jackson.
When protests cross the line.
Pro-Palestinian protests erupted at the University of Michigan and other colleges nationwide following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attack in Israel, aligning with support for Palestinians in Gaza.
The students’ pro-Palestinian protests often went beyond signs and speeches, with incidents that sparked national attention. In May 2024, protesters interrupted graduation ceremonies at U of M and they also demanded that the university divest from Israel, targeting university regents at their private homes. The protesters left symbolic “body bags” and bloodied stuffed animals, alarming many and leading to widespread condemnation.
Later that summer, another protest blocked the university’s iconic Diag area, defying police warnings and resulting in multiple arrests. The university took disciplinary action, citing disruptions to campus operations and violations of university policies.
While the protesters framed their actions as necessary civil disobedience, others – including members of the campus Jewish community – saw them as acts of intimidation.
A battle over free speech.
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The lawsuit argues that the university selectively enforced its policies to silence criticism of Israel while allowing other student groups to engage in protests without similar consequences. The plaintiffs contend this constitutes discrimination and had an effect on their post-graduate careers.
However, the university has defended its actions, stating that disciplinary measures were taken to ensure campus safety and uphold its policies, which prohibit harassment, threats, and significant disruptions.
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