University of Michigan ends security contracts over surveillance allegations

In June 2025, the University of Michigan publicly announced its decision to cut ties with City Shield Security Services, a private security contractor it had engaged to provide plainclothes security on campus. This decision followed reports that the contractor had engaged in surveillance activities targeting pro-Palestinian activists both on and off campus. The university's Interim President, Domenico Grasso, indicated that they found the actions of one employee of the security firm 'disturbing, unacceptable, and unethical' and emphasized that the university would no longer partner with external vendors for such security measures. The context for this decision stems from ongoing tensions between the university administration and pro-Palestinian student organizations. Over the past year, students reported feeling closely monitored, which led to accusations of harassment and intimidation. Incidents included student protests and camp encampments advocating for Palestinian rights being dismantled by university authorities. Notably, in May 2024, police removed a pro-Palestinian encampment, resulting in multiple students facing charges that were eventually dropped in May 2025 amid criticisms of the university's handling of protests. Students such as Josiah Walker, who participated in protests regarding the Gaza conflict, reported being followed by individuals suspected to be undercover security operatives linked to City Shield. He documented interactions with one individual who accused him of theft, which added a layer of concern regarding the treatment of students advocating for certain political beliefs. These accounts have drawn public attention and raised calls for action from various civil rights organizations. In light of the growing scrutiny over its security practices, the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations called for an independent investigation into the alleged surveillance. The organization expressed that the university's tactics aimed to suppress the free speech rights of protestors against genocide, echoing ongoing debates about the balance between security measures and the protection of civil liberties on college campuses. Ultimately, the university's action signifies a pivot away from external private security in recognition of the associated ethical concerns and the need for a more transparent approach to security and student rights.