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, today welcomed a decisive court ruling allowing a civil rights lawsuit against the University of Michigan to move forward, marking a major step toward accountability for what advocates describe as unconstitutional suppression of pro-Palestinian student speech.
The lawsuit was filed by CAIR-Michigan, in coalition with Sugar Law Center and a team of civil rights attorneys, on behalf of individual students and Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE).
SEE: Pro-Palestinian students, alumni sue University of Michigan over alleged targeting of protesters
The case challenges the University of Michigan’s disciplinary actions against students engaged in purely nonviolent, pro-Palestinian expression, as well as the University’s suspension of SAFE—the only student organization on campus dedicated to advocating for the liberation of the Palestinian people.
The court’s decision to allow the case to proceed confirms that the plaintiffs have raised serious and credible constitutional violations, including viewpoint discrimination and infringement of First Amendment rights.
“This ruling makes clear that the University cannot evade judicial scrutiny for punishing students based on their viewpoints,” said Amy V. Doukoure, Esq., lead staff attorney with CAIR-Michigan. “Disciplining students for nonviolent advocacy and dismantling a student organization for its message strikes at the core of the First Amendment.”
According to the complaint, the University imposed sanctions not for misconduct, but for protected expressive activity, targeting students because of their advocacy for Palestinian human rights.
CAIR-Michigan emphasized that public universities have a constitutional obligation to protect—not suppress—political speech, especially when that speech challenges dominant narratives.
“What we are seeing is not neutral enforcement of policy—it is selective punishment aimed at silencing pro-Palestinian voices,” said Dawud Walid, executive director of CAIR-Michigan. “The Constitution does not permit public institutions to decide which viewpoints are acceptable.”
The suspension of SAFE has had a chilling effect across campus, eliminating a central platform for student organizing, dialogue, and advocacy.
This lawsuit seeks to hold the University accountable and to restore the fundamental rights of students to speak, organize, and advocate without fear of retaliation.
CAIR-Michigan will continue to stand with the students and coalition partners in pursuing justice and ensuring that constitutional protections are upheld on campus.
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
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR Lead Staff Attorney Amy Doukoure, 586-943-8823, adoukoure@cair.com