Some fear University of Michigan proposed policy on protests could quell free speech efforts

A University of Michigan proposal aimed at deterring disruptions on the Ann Arbor campus after anti-Israel protesters interrupted a tribute is drawing backlash from free speech advocates.

Violations of the policy, which has yet to be implemented, could result in suspension or expulsion for students and dismissal for university staff.

The March 24 protest by groups calling for the school’s divestiture from companies linked to Israel is among a number of demonstrations on college campuses across the United States in which students and organizations have taken sides — in support of the Palestinians or of Israel – as Israel continues its six-month war in Gaza against Hamas.

University of Michigan President Santo Ono said in a letter to the campus community that the protesters who disrupted the annual honors graduation ceremony “brought profound disappointment to students, parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members and friends.”

“We must all understand that while protest is valued and protected, disruption is not,” Ono wrote. “One group’s right to protest does not trump the right of others to participate in a joyful event.”

“It was painful for everyone gathered – and especially for members of our Jewish community,” Ono added.

Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 left 1,200 people, mostly civilians, dead. Israeli authorities say militants have taken about 250 people hostage.

The Israeli response to the attack was devastating. Bombings and ground offensives have killed more than 33,600 Palestinians and injured more than 76,200 in Gaza, the Gaza Health Ministry says. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its figures, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the deaths.

The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe. Most of the area’s population has been displaced, and with fighting razing large parts of Gaza’s urban landscape, many areas are uninhabitable.

Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, which calls itself a Palestinian solidarity group, posted on social media that students shut down the University of Michigan rally to demand that the school be divested from Israel and that “war profiteers facilitate genocide.”

The Associated Press left emails this week seeking comment from protest organizers.

Some University of Michigan students walked out of classes on April 4, protesting the school’s ties to Israel and a planned policy that would, among other things, ban disrupting speakers or performers. Students who violate the policy may face a reprimand, disciplinary probation, refund, expulsion from a specific course, suspension, or expulsion.

Staff members who violate the policy may face misconduct charges, and the school “may pursue disciplinary action, up to and including termination.”

The policy, if so implemented, would apply to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors who engage in disruptive activities.

“We will not shy away from protecting the values ​​we hold dear,” Ono wrote in a follow-up letter to the campus community. “Those who participate in disruptive activities will be held accountable.”

Michigan sophomore Annabel Bean said the school appears to be trying to limit and suppress student protests.

“The guidelines, in my opinion, are really a huge overreach,” Bean told WXYZ-TV. “The purpose of a protest is to be disruptive, and if you say it can’t be disruptive, then we’re not protesting, and how do you honor your history of disruptive student protests?”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan said it is concerned that the proposed policy, as drafted, will affect civil liberties on campus.

“We believe that the proposed policy is vague and overbroad, and risks chilling a significant amount of freedom of speech and expression,” the ACLU Michigan said in a letter to Ono. “We recognize that the university has an interest in conducting its activities without major disruption; But in an attempt to achieve that goal, the proposed policy delivers far too much.”

The university is reviewing community comments to ensure any new policy reflects the school’s mission and values, Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Colleen Mastony said in an email.

“The university will not rush the development of this new policy,” Mastony said. “We will ensure that all voices have the opportunity to be heard. Our aim is to make the policy clearer, ensure key terms are well defined, include pathways for remedial action and support respectful discussion of differing views.”

As it stands now, the proposed policy is unclear, says Thomas Braun, professor of biostatistics.

“For faculty who are not tenured or tenured, the concern is this overblown policy… it is unclear what sanctions could be imposed on faculty,” Braun said, adding that there is fear of not being tenured receive “because of something you participated in.”

Braun, who also chairs the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, said there is always a debate on the school’s campus about freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

“I can support freedom of speech and still be on one side or the other,” he said. “This issue has made it very clear to me that I am not aware of the experiences of the Palestinians in Gaza. At the same time, I don’t think I can condone the complete removal of Israel as a state. How does a campus deal with its own unrest surrounding this issue, while at the same time being asked to solve world problems?”