Latest news with #Grasso
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.
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 .
San Francisco Chronicle
09-06-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
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.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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.
