Nora Hilgart-Griff, a University of Michigan student and member of the TAHRIR Coalition, and Liz Jacob from the Sugar Law Center discuss the recent raids on pro-Palestine students in Michigan. They delve into the intimidation tactics used by the Attorney General and the impact on free speech and activist movements. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by student activists, including efforts for divestment and demands for transparency. Listeners hear about the broader implications of state repression on civil liberties and the resilience of grassroots activism.
The raids on pro-Palestine students by FBI and Michigan's Attorney General have ignited fears about governmental repression of free speech on campuses.
Lack of clear communication from law enforcement during the raids has left students bewildered and raised concerns over legal legitimacy and civil rights.
Despite the intimidation tactics employed, the Tahrir Coalition continues to mobilize support, demonstrating resilience and commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and justice.
Deep dives
Draconian Raids on University Activists
Raids conducted by the FBI in coordination with Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel targeted members of the Tahrir Coalition, a Palestinian activist group at the University of Michigan. These raids occurred at dawn and involved law enforcement agencies breaking down doors, confiscating personal electronics, and detaining students without prior notification of the reasons for their actions. Many affected were left disoriented and terrified, having been caught off guard during the early morning hours. This aggressive enforcement has raised alarms about a pattern of intimidation aimed at suppressing pro-Palestinian advocacy on university campuses.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
The rationale behind involving the FBI in the raids remained vague, with no clear probable cause provided in the warrants. Instead, the Attorney General's office indicated that the investigations centered around vague claims of 'multi-jurisdictional vandalism,' which many see as an attempt to justify the heavy-handed approach. Students and their legal counsel expressed outrage over the lack of communication and information, leaving those impacted unaware of any crimes they may have been accused of. This level of obfuscation has contributed to a growing sense of fear among activists and has prompted questions about the legitimacy of such law enforcement measures.
The Role of State and Local Governments in Repression
The collaboration between the University of Michigan, state officials, and law enforcement showcases a disturbing trend of government entities working in concert to undermine free speech on campuses. The testimonies reveal that the university has increasingly outsourced repression efforts to external firms and consultants to target free speech, effectively turning institutions of higher learning into surveillance states. This includes hiring private security companies to monitor and intimidate activists, indicating an escalation in both militarization and attempts to stifle dissent. The movement against Palestine is being specifically singled out, reflecting a broader strategy that seeks to dissuade voices advocating for change.
Constitutional Rights Under Threat
The aggressive targeting of pro-Palestinian activists raises significant constitutional concerns regarding freedom of speech and the right to protest. Historical parallels have been drawn to the repressive measures established during the Bush administration, which previously led to expansions in surveillance and curbed civil liberties in the name of national security. The insistence on using the judicial system to discourage and punish voices advocating for Palestine reflects a deep-rooted fear of dissent, especially as public sympathy for Palestinian rights grows. This chilling effect not only undermines the integrity of educational institutions but also threatens the fabric of democracy itself.
The Resilience of Grassroots Movements
In the face of heightened repression, the Tahrir Coalition and its supporters demonstrate considerable resilience, continuing to mobilize and advocate for their cause. The community has shown solidarity and mutual support during this wave of intimidation, exemplifying the power of grassroots activism to persist despite significant obstacles. Efforts such as calls for divestment from companies profiting from the Israeli occupation reflect a broader push for accountability and justice in their advocacy. This context shows that while repression is indeed a tactic used by the state, it also galvanizes a community committed to fighting for their rights and raising awareness among the broader public.
Felix speaks with Nora Hilgart-Griff from the TAHRIR Coalition and Liz Jacob from the Sugar Law Center for Social and Economic Justice about the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel collaborating with the Trump DOJ in a series of raids on pro-Palestine students at the University of Michigan on April 23. Liz and Nora give background on Nessel's previous intimidation campaign at the university, the administration's attempts to repress the student movement against the genocide, TAHRIR Coalition's work on divestment, and much more. You're going to want to hear this whether you're a Yooper, a Detroiter, or even a recently incarcerated jewel thief who assumed the identity of a sheriff so he can stare at his ex-girlfriend in a small Pennsylvania town where everyone is a violent criminal.
Update: On Monday, 5/5/25, all charges against the students have been dropped.
Legal fund for the students facing charges from Nessel's office
https://chuffed.org/project/um-palestine-legalfund
Background on the raids
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/24/michigan-attorney-general-dana-nessel-campus-gaza-protests
TAHRIR Coalition's campaign to drop the charges
https://tahrirumich.org/dtc
The demands of the students
https://tahrirumich.org/demands
Guide to the University of Michigan's economic links to Israeli genocide and occupation profiteers
https://tahrirumich.org/research/endowment-guide
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