Condemnation of police presence and
student arrests at Wayne State University
student arrests at Wayne State University
Wayne State University Law School
Student Bar Association Board of Governors
Student Bar Association Board of Governors
Dear Wayne State University Community,
As the representative body of Wayne State University Law School, we are responsible for uplifting student voices on matters that impact our community. Per our mission statement, we have a duty to ensure the general welfare of the student body and to advocate for higher institutional standards. Therefore, we condemn Wayne State University and President Espy’s decision to forcefully dismantle the peaceful student encampment and arrest a number of participating students.
On May 23, 2024, students at Wayne State University exercised their First Amendment rights by establishing an encampment on Wayne State’s public campus. Participating students occupied a portion of Gullen Mall, petitioning University administrators and President Espy to meet a number of demands. This morning, the Wayne State administration ordered the WSUPD to remove the encampment. Arriving in riot gear, the WSUPD forcefully destroyed the encampment and arrested a number of students and community members. This process included the forceful removal of hijabs and the arrest of at least one Legal Observer. In response to these actions and in solidarity with our peers, we unequivocally condemn any action that involves the suppression of student rights through police violence.
We call upon Wayne State University to uphold its mission of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. During her announcement at the University’s “controversial campus speech” symposium on February 29, 2024, President Espy reaffirmed the University’s commitment “to fostering an inclusive learning environment where open dialogue and free speech are both protected and celebrated.” The President similarly boasted in today’s update on campus activities the University’s “proud history of supporting freedom of speech, religion, and the right to peacefully protest.” We appeal to this sentiment and condemn Wayne State University for its failure to foster a safe environment for students to protest without the threat of police force. We additionally demand disciplinary amnesty for students in incoming disciplinary matters.
We call upon the Wayne Law faculty and administration to condemn the suppression of student rights on campus. Silence during a time when our community needs the guidance and support of its leaders and mentors is unacceptable. By openly supporting the students’ right to peacefully protest, you reinforce the values of our legal education and demonstrate your commitment to the rights and welfare of the student body. It is imperative that our response to student activism is rooted in mutual respect and the desire for open dialogue. Together, we can work towards a resolution that upholds the rights and dignity of all members of our community.
In Solidarity,
Wayne State University Law School Student Bar Association Board of Governors
