ANN ARBOR — University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker, a Jewish parent and public official, has been subjected to a series of violent, pre-dawn antisemitic attacks linked to pro-divestment protests on campus. The incidents included slogans such as “DIVEST NOW” and “FREE PALESTINE” painted on his law office and the shattering of windows at his home, with his children inside.
Police and FBI agents are investigating multiple instances of vandalism and trespassing at the residences and workplaces of Regent Acker and other university officials. In some cases, protestors left “fake corpses wrapped in bloodied sheets” at regents’ homes and posted threats demanding divestment.
“Law Firm Vandalized with Pro-Palestine Graffiti in Southfield, Michigan
— Donald J. Trump the real President 2020-2024. (@thewholetruth87) June 4, 2024
The law office of University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker was defaced early this morning, with “UM KILLS”, “DIVEST OR F*** OFF”, and free”PALESTINE among messages written on the front of the building pic.twitter.com/5ZwB97jWhl
Acker condemned the vandalism as “antisemitic intimidation” aimed at Jewish public figures. “Make no mistake,” he said, “this was done to scare Jews, and it was successful.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the acts “hateful rhetoric” and urged greater vigilance. She emphasized that “these acts do not represent the good people in both communities,” including Arab-American and Jewish families.
University of Michigan administrators described the early-morning invasions and vandalism as “a dangerous escalation.” The university clarified that while peaceful protest is protected, targeting individuals at their homes crosses a clear line.
The incidents reflect a troubling pattern of antisemitic activity accompanying divestment campaigns globally. Jewish community groups assert that campuses must be safe for Zionist voices, especially when external conflict is imported into university settings.
“These threats and vandalism are not activism,” said a spokesperson for a national Jewish organization. “They are domestic terrorism. Protest should never threaten families or violate homes.”
The U.S. Department of Education is actively investigating whether these protests have fostered hostile learning environments. A recent FT report noted similar crackdowns on campus activism that began last April following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
The escalation at Michigan has prompted some universities to reassess protest policies. Jewish and Zionist advocates now call on the University of Michigan to enhance protection for Jewish officials and to ensure that divestment discussions remain civil and lawful.
This article is based on verified information from the Associated Press, The Times of Israel, The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Michigan Advance, and The Guardian.