Latest news with #DomenicoGrasso
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
University of Michigan ends all plainclothes security contracts after reports of surveillance on pro-Palestinian students
Dozens of tents in place as part of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP File Photo) The University of Michigan has severed ties with private security firms after allegations surfaced of improper surveillance targeting pro-Palestinian students. Interim President Domenico Grasso announced the decision following reports of unethical conduct by undercover personnel, as reported by The move aims to restore trust while prioritizing campus safety. The controversy emerged after The Guardian exposed questionable tactics by security contractors. Videos captured instances of alleged harassment, prompting swift action from university leadership. Alleged misconduct sparks outrage A report by The Guardian, as cited by revealed that undercover investigators were monitoring pro-Palestinian groups. One student recounted being trailed by a man who feigned disabilities when confronted and falsely accused the student of attempted robbery. Other incidents involved investigators cursing at students, issuing threats, and, in one case, nearly striking a student with a vehicle, as quoted by These actions raised serious concerns about ethical boundaries. University's response to violations Grasso condemned the contractors' behavior as "disturbing, unacceptable, and unethical," according to his statement on by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo He emphasized that no group should be targeted for their beliefs. The university had employed plainclothes security since July 2024 to enhance safety in high-traffic areas, a common practice at large institutions. However, upon learning of the misconduct, all contracts with external vendors for such services were terminated. Commitment to safety and trust The university's Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads campus safety efforts, occasionally supported by external firms for crowd management and threat identification. Grasso urged anyone witnessing inappropriate behavior to report it to DPSS or the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office, as noted by He reaffirmed the university's dedication to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and visitors. Moving forward The termination of these contracts reflects the university's response to community concerns and its commitment to upholding its values. Grasso expressed gratitude for the community's dedication to mutual care and safety, as shared in his statement on The decision underscores ongoing efforts to balance security with trust, ensuring no individual or group faces unwarranted scrutiny on campus. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Chicago Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
University of Michigan drops private security after reports of surveillance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan said it's cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The university said it found the actions of one security company employee 'disturbing, unacceptable and unethical.' It did not elaborate. 'Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus,' President Domenico Grasso said in a statement Sunday. In a Guardian story last week, students said they were surveilled around Ann Arbor. The news outlet posted video from a member of a Muslim group who decided to confront a man who was watching him from a car last summer. That man in turn yelled and accused him of trying to steal his wallet. Tensions have been high between the university and pro-Palestinian student groups. A student encampment stood for a month on campus last year before authorities shut it down citing safety issues. Seven people were charged with felonies related to the encampment's removal, though charges were dropped in May. The university, which has campus police, said it hired private security about a year ago to report suspicious activity in high-traffic areas, not to perform surveillance. 'No individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations,' Grasso said.
The Independent
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
University of Michigan drops private security after reports of surveillance
The University of Michigan said it's cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The university said it found the actions of one security company employee "disturbing, unacceptable and unethical." It did not elaborate. 'Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus,' President Domenico Grasso said in a statement Sunday. In a Guardian story last week, students said they were surveilled around Ann Arbor. The news outlet posted video from a member of a Muslim group who decided to confront a man who was watching him from a car last summer. That man in turn yelled and accused him of trying to steal his wallet. Tensions have been high between the university and pro-Palestinian student groups. A student encampment stood for a month on campus last year before authorities shut it down citing safety issues. Seven people were charged with felonies related to the encampment's removal, though charges were dropped in May. The university, which has campus police, said it hired private security about a year ago to report suspicious activity in high-traffic areas, not to perform surveillance. 'No individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations,' Grasso said.
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
University of Michigan drops private security group accused of surveilling pro-Palestinian students
The University of Michigan is dropping a private security company accused of surveilling students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Students claimed that undercover surveillance occurred over the past year. Last week, CBS News Detroit spoke with a student who shot video of one of the alleged undercover investigators, whom he claimed the Ann Arbor school contracted through an agreement with Detroit-based City Shield Security Services. Michigan senior Josiah Walker believes he was followed by undercover security because he protested the war in Gaza. Walker claims he repeatedly observed the same people and vehicles following and ultimately turned the camera around on a man, who in their first interaction in July 2024, allegedly claimed to have a disability. In their second interaction two weeks later, the man claimed Walker was attempting to rob him. In a statement on Sunday, U of M Interim President Domenico Grasso said the university was terminating all contracts with outside vendors to provide plainclothes security. "We recently learned that an employee of one of our security contractors has acted in ways that go against our values and directives. What happened was disturbing, unacceptable, and unethical, and we will not tolerate it," Grasso said. "Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus." Grasso said the outside security firm was hired to "help us keep watch over our campus and enable us to respond quickly to emergencies." Grasso went on to say, "However, we are clear: no individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations." Public records show the university spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on City Shield services between June 2024 and September 2024. A university official told CBS News Detroit that much of the money spent went towards 24/7 security for university employees who've been subject to alleged hate crimes at their homes, offices and businesses that pro-Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for. Officials said that money also went towards hiring security for events and gatherings on campus. Grasso urges anyone who witnesses or experiences inappropriate behavior by a school employee or contractor to contact university police or the school's Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office. Meanwhile, the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for an independent investigation into the alleged undercover surveillance. "This reported attempt by the University of Michigan to chill the free speech of anti-genocide groups through secret surveillance and alleged harassment must be investigated in an independent and transparent manner," said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid in a statement. "Academic officials would never allow this type of outrageous behavior if those targeted were members of any other groups speaking out against genocide and for human rights." In May 2024, the university broke up a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, and several protesters were charged with trespassing. In May 2025, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped charges against several protesters, including Walker, who faced two trespassing charges. contributed to this report.
Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
University of Michigan drops private security after reports of surveillance
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan said it's cutting ties with a private security company that was accused of following pro-Palestinian activists on and off campus. The university said it found the actions of one security company employee 'disturbing, unacceptable and unethical.' It did not elaborate. 'Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus,' President Domenico Grasso said in a statement Sunday. In a Guardian story last week, students said they were surveilled around Ann Arbor. The news outlet posted video from a member of a Muslim group who decided to confront a man who was watching him from a car last summer. That man in turn yelled and accused him of trying to steal his wallet. Tensions have been high between the university and pro-Palestinian student groups . A student encampment stood for a month on campus last year before authorities shut it down citing safety issues. Seven people were charged with felonies related to the encampment's removal, though charges were dropped in May. The university, which has campus police, said it hired private security about a year ago to report suspicious activity in high-traffic areas, not to perform surveillance. 'No individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations,' Grasso said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
