1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over recent events at the University of Michigan, where a student engaged in peaceful pro-Palestinian protest was punished with a campus ban and sentenced to four days in jail — during finals and days before their graduation. According to reports, the student’s bond conditions banned them from all University of Michigan property, except to attend classes. They were jailed for simply being in Mason Hall between classes — a clear example of extreme and disproportionate punishment. This alarming response reflects a broader trend: the systematic erosion of students’ rights to protest without fear of life-altering consequences. Academic institutions should be bastions of free speech and civic engagement, not places where peaceful activism is met with draconian retaliation. The University of Michigan’s actions, paired with judicial reinforcement through Judge Simpson’s sentencing, effectively criminalize dissent. This sets a dangerous precedent not just in Michigan, but nationwide. Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest are foundational to our democracy. It is deeply shameful that a public institution funded by taxpayer dollars would so brazenly suppress these rights. I urge you to investigate this matter and advocate for the protection of students’ First Amendment rights. Congress must hold publicly funded universities accountable when they retaliate against political expression, and must defend the rights of students to speak out against injustice — without fear of academic destruction or imprisonment. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to seeing you stand firmly for the rights of your constituents and the future of free speech on our campuses.