The recent leak of a recording featuring the president of the University of Michigan has revealed the deep-seated disregard for the welfare of Arab and Muslim students within the institution. The Tahrir Coalition, a group advocating for Palestinian rights at the university, shared an audio clip on social media, allegedly capturing President Santa Ono discussing external pressure from “powerful groups” and the potential consequences of not prioritizing the fight against anti-Semitism. In the recording, he mentioned the possibility of government scrutiny regarding the university’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism, while expressing concerns about the lack of focus on Islamophobia.
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Despite the gravity of these statements, the university administration opted not to contest the authenticity of the recording. Instead, they issued a public statement asserting their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. However, this commitment appears hollow, particularly in light of the university’s inadequate response to the needs of its Muslim and Arab student population.
In recent months, the world has witnessed widespread violence in Palestine and Lebanon, with significant loss of life. Over 42,000 Palestinians, including a staggering 16,000 children, have been killed, alongside more than 2,300 Lebanese casualties. For students from these regions, the emotional toll is profound. As they process their grief and advocate for human rights, they often face vilification and suppression on campus, with their identities and calls for justice dismissed or criminalized.
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Conversely, students who advocate for Israel’s military actions have not experienced the same backlash. This apparent imbalance has led to increased harassment and discrimination against Muslim and Arab students, emboldening those who target them, as they perceive a lack of repercussions for their actions.
The university’s hypocrisy became glaringly obvious soon after October 7, 2023. On October 9, a group of students at the Michigan Law School used an email chain to dehumanize Palestinians, labeling them as “animals” and accusing Muslim and Arab peers of celebrating violence. This hate speech was reported to the administration, yet no action was taken.
As pro-Palestinian demonstrations grew on campus, the administration’s bias against marginalized students became increasingly evident. University police were frequently dispatched to disperse protests, resulting in physical assaults, pepper-spray incidents, and the removal of hijabs from female protesters. Surveillance measures were intensified, particularly around the Arab student lounge.
The administration did not apologize for the police violence against students protesting against genocide, nor did it address the growing weaponization of accusations of anti-Semitism against those advocating for Palestinian rights. It failed to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel’s actions and genuine anti-Semitic sentiments, effectively equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.
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Furthermore, a report from the Department of Education highlighted the university’s alleged failure to address accusations of anti-Semitism, suggesting that protests against genocide contributed to a “hostile environment.” In response, the university promptly altered its policies to suppress pro-Palestinian activism without consulting the faculty or student body.
While the administration has made efforts to cater to the concerns of Jewish students, it has neglected to address the feelings and safety of Palestinian students. The indifference shown towards their suffering raises serious questions about the university’s commitment to human rights.
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This issue extends beyond the University of Michigan, as over 3,000 individuals have faced arrests for pro-Palestine advocacy on college campuses across the nation in recent months. Institutions that once championed free speech have transformed into environments hostile to Muslim and Arab students and their supporters.
The atmosphere of fear and repression is palpable, with many Muslim and Arab students hesitant to express their identities or opinions due to potential academic, legal, and employment repercussions. This silencing is particularly traumatic for Palestinian students, who are deprived of the right to publicly mourn or demand justice.
Compounding the distress is the realization that their tuition funds are being invested in companies linked to violence against Muslims and Palestinians. Despite protests, the University of Michigan has continued to invest in such companies while swiftly divesting from those connected to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
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In response to the leaked recording, a local civil rights organization filed a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, urging an investigation into whether the university has upheld its obligations under civil rights laws. However, given the federal government’s pressure on universities to prioritize Jewish students’ welfare, the likelihood of substantial action resulting from this complaint remains low.
The leaked comments from the university president underscore a broader failure of moral leadership among university administrators nationwide. By yielding to external pressures, they risk undermining the rights of all students and send a disheartening message that the lives of some students matter more than others.
