The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the University of Michigan’s cancellation of undercover surveillance of anti-genocide student groups—but emphasized that this is only one of many necessary steps to address the university’s systemic suppression of pro-Palestinian advocacy and student free speech.
University of Michigan Interim President Domenico Grasso announced the cancellation of all contracts for private, undercover security on campus after a report revealed the university had been using plainclothes operatives to monitor and collect intelligence on student organizations protesting Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
SEE: UM cancels undercover private security contracts after threat report
“This cancellation is a welcome but long-overdue step in confronting the University of Michigan’s authoritarian tactics against students who dare to speak out against genocide,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “Deploying undercover agents to surveil and intimidate student protestors is a blatant violation of civil liberties and cannot be allowed to pass without consequences. The university must take full accountability and implement transparent, systemic reforms to ensure that no student is ever again targeted for their political or religious expression.”
CAIR-MI continues to call for a full, independent investigation into the university’s surveillance practices, public disclosure of any findings, and disciplinary consequences for those involved in violating student rights.
SEE: CAIR-MI Calls for Probe of Undercover Surveillance, Harassment of U. Michigan Anti-Genocide Groups
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 Doukoure, adoukoure@cair.com, 586-943-8823