On Monday, August 25, the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a local chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, plans to hold a press conference to announce its designation of Wayne State University (WSU) as a “hostile campus for free speech” over is targeting of targeting Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, and anti-genocide voices.
WHEN: Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: In front of the “W” on Warren Avenue, just off WSU’s campus (near 42 W. Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201)
WHO: CAIR-MI Staff and Wayne State University Students
CONTACT: CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid, (248) 842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR-MI Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure, (586) 943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com; CAIR-MI
CAIR‑MI staff will be joined by students from Wayne State to highlight what they describe as a troubling pattern of suppressing free expression at the university—particularly targeting Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, and allied voices advocating for human rights and justice.
“Our organization has a long history of defending the rights of students and community members at Michigan’s universities.” Said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “It is deeply concerning that in 2025 we are still witnessing the same discriminatory tactics used to silence student voices—particularly those advocating for social justice and human rights. WSU must change course and respect the First Amendment rights of all its students.”
“Wayne State University should be a place where students can express themselves freely without fear of retaliation or selective enforcement of policies,” said CAIR‑MI Lead Staff Attorney Amy V. Doukoure. “This designation by our national office underscores the seriousness of WSU’s failure to uphold free speech principles, and we will continue to stand with students whose rights are being violated.”
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
This announcement is part of CAIR’s broader Unhostile Campus Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering campus environments where Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and allied students, faculty, and staff who oppose genocide or express dissent can freely speak and engage without fear of state force or disciplinary retaliation. More information about the campaign—including resources, guides, and how to get involved—can be found here: https://islamophobia.org/category/hostile-campuses/
Washington, D.C., based CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, working to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid, (248) 842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR-MI Lead Staff Attorney, Amy V. Doukoure, (586) 943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com; CAIR-MI