Pro-Palestinian students sue University of Michigan over free speech issues
NBCDec 25, 2024
Univ. of Michigan Faces Lawsuit Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Response
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Above: Pro-Palestinian protestors at the pro-Palestine encampment of the University of Michigan in May 2024. Image copyright: Adam J. Dewey/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
A federal lawsuit was filed by six current or former students from the University of Michigan against the school in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleging violations of students' constitutional rights during pro-Palestinian protests.
The legal action stems from a November 2023 sit-in at the president's office, which resulted in 42 student arrests and involved more than 10 different law enforcement departments.
The university allegedly issued trespass notices preventing students from attending classes, terminated campus employment, and blacklisted students from future employment opportunities.
The Spin
Left narrative
Students must stand up for their right to express their opinions in a peaceful manner in educational spaces. Michigan's heavy-handed response — even after students were found innocent of wrongdoing by disciplinary panels — violates decades of school policy. The school must be held to account.
Right narrative
Universities have the right to make sure their environments are safe, and these protests have turned many campuses into disruptive and dangerous areas. Students' First Amendment rights end when they cross into supporting terrorist groups and inspiring on-campus violence — especially when its against one particular group of students.
