Michigan- The American Center for Justice (ACJ) expresses serious concern over recent revelations reported by The Guardian regarding the University of Michigan’s recruitment of state Attorney General Dana Nessel to prosecute student protesters supporting Gaza. This unusual move bypassed local prosecutors and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the possible abuse of power to silence dissenting voices.

According to The Guardian, "When the University of Michigan governing board this year asked the state’s attorney general to bring charges against campus Gaza protesters, they tapped a political ally with whom some board members have extensive personal, financial or political connections." The investigation found that six out of eight regents contributed over $33,000 to Nessel's campaigns, while one regent co-chaired her 2018 campaign. Nessel’s office also charged approximately 85% of arrested protesters, in stark contrast to local prosecutors, who charged far fewer. This disparity in treatment raises questions about the impartiality of these prosecutions and whether political and financial influences have played a role.

ACJ has consistently stood against the manipulation of legal processes for political purposes and emphasizes that actions like these erode trust in the justice system. In the interest of proven abuses of power, it is critical that legal decisions be made without the appearance of bias or favoritism, as such actions damage the public’s faith in the fairness and transparency of the legal system.

Latifa Jamel, President of the American Center for Justice, expressed deep concern over the actions outlined in The Guardian article, pointing to the growing misuse of political power to target human rights advocates. “It is alarming to see legal processes being manipulated to stifle the voices of students exercising their right to protest,” Jamel said. “This kind of political interference not only undermines the integrity of our justice system but also threatens the foundational rights of free speech and peaceful assembly. What we are witnessing here is a clear violation of the principles that are meant to protect all individuals, regardless of their political views. The targeting of Palestinian cause supporters is particularly troubling, as it represents a broader pattern of silencing dissent and marginalizing those advocating for human rights in the face of global injustices.”

ACJ remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the right to peaceful protest and free expression, especially in cases where political influence threatens to distort the application of justice. We call for a full and transparent investigation into the University of Michigan’s decision to involve Attorney General Nessel in these cases, and we stand with all those who are advocating for justice and human rights, particularly in defense of the Palestinian cause.

The ACJ’s consistent perspective remains clear: the abuse of power and influence, especially in legal matters, has no place in a just society. We urge that the rights of protesters be upheld and that justice be pursued free from political interference.