University of Michigan Student Sues Over Alleged Surveillance of Gaza Protests

A University of Michigan student is suing the school, accusing it of violating his constitutional rights through a vast undercover surveillance operation in response to his protest of Israel's war in Gaza. The lawsuit, filed in federal court by Cair-MI and student Josiah Walker, claims the university and private investigators conspired to intimidate, terrorize and retaliate against Walker in 2024 and 2025.

According to the lawsuit, Walker, a U-M student, participated in protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. In response, the university and private investigators allegedly conducted extensive surveillance of Walker, monitoring his social media, emails, and other communications. The lawsuit alleges the university sought to gather information to discredit Walker and deter him from further activism.

The lawsuit argues the university's actions violated Walker's First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, as well as his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. It seeks unspecified damages and a court order barring the university from engaging in similar surveillance tactics against student protesters in the future.