Eight former employees of the University of Michigan have initiated a federal lawsuit against the institution, alleging wrongful termination tied to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The suit, which was filed early Thursday, includes claims from one full-time staff member and seven student workers who contend that their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free speech and due process were violated. According to the lawsuit, their employment was terminated and they were subsequently barred from future work at the university following a sit-in protest held at the Ruthven building on November 17, 2023.
The plaintiffs are being represented by the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice and the American-Arab Anti-Defamation Committee. John Philo, the executive and legal director of the Sugar Law Center, stated that the terminations resulted from the employees’ pro-Palestinian expressions rather than any workplace misconduct.
In a press release, Philo expressed concern over the university’s actions, implying a resurgence of outdated practices aimed at silencing employees with dissenting views. “Our clients were dedicated workers carrying out essential duties for the University,” he emphasized. “University officials, along with Michigan’s Attorney General, appear to be collaborating in efforts to suppress the free speech of those advocating for Palestine.”
Chris Godshall-Bennett, the legal director of the anti-defamation committee, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the terminations reflect a wider trend of repression against pro-Palestinian speech across the nation. “This is indicative of a broader attack on the freedom of expression related to the rights of Palestinians,” he said. “Any infringement on constitutional rights for those supporting these causes should be alarming to all who cherish their ability to voice opinions. Neither federal nor state entities, including public universities, have the right to penalize individuals simply for holding divergent views.”
In response to the lawsuit, Kay Jarvis, a spokesperson for the university, stated in an email that the institution does not comment on ongoing legal matters.
This lawsuit reflects broader tensions surrounding activism related to Palestine and raises critical questions about the intersection of employment rights and freedom of speech in academic settings.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how universities navigate the complex landscape of political expression among their employees and students.
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