Michigan Student Sues University Over 2024-25 Gaza Protest Surveillance and Retaliation
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 21
Michigan Student Sues University Over 2024-25 Gaza Protest Surveillance and Retaliation
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 21
Summary
Josiah Walker plans to file a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing the University of Michigan and private investigators of a 2024-25 campaign of surveillance, intimidation and false arrests tied to his pro-Palestinian activism.
The complaint says investigators and police falsified reports, stalked and assaulted him, seized property and used exaggerated claims to obtain access to his Google Drive and email, violating his free-speech, privacy and due-process rights.
Two episodes anchor the case: a May 2024 trespass matter after the Gaza encampment raid and a September 2024 festival arrest where bodycam footage allegedly shows officers discussing arresting Walker even if he did nothing wrong.
The suit also points to a 2025 incident in which an investigator claimed Walker injured him with a camera flash; Walker was not charged, and the filing says the allegation was used to manufacture probable cause for digital warrants.
The case follows the Guardian's 2025 report that Michigan hired dozens of undercover investigators to monitor pro-Palestinian students; the university later fired one firm and apologized, as similar Gaza protest civil-rights suits have spread nationwide.
What happens when a university, meant to protect students, is accused of targeting them for their political views?
When does university security cross the line into an illegal spying operation against its own students?
Lawsuit Accuses University of Michigan of Retaliatory Surveillance Against Pro-Palestinian Protesters, Raising National Free Speech Concerns
Overview
Josiah Walker, a University of Michigan student, filed a federal lawsuit claiming the university retaliated against him for his pro-Palestinian activism. After participating in a protest on November 17, 2023, Walker says university police and administrators photographed and filmed him, then followed him to his car. Just three days later, the university placed him on interim suspension, barring him from campus and activities. Walker alleges these actions violated his constitutional and civil rights, highlighting concerns about university surveillance and disciplinary measures against student activists, and raising broader questions about free speech and campus policies.