Protect Free Speech and Student Activism on Michigan Campuses

What’s Happening:
Across the country, federal officials and members of Congress are applying growing pressure on universities and student groups in response to activism related to Palestinian rights. Student organizations have faced calls for disciplinary action, funding cuts, and formal investigations. Although no federal laws have been passed restricting campus activism, this coordinated political pressure is already chilling free speech on college campuses. National civil liberties groups warn that these tactics threaten First Amendment protections and create an environment of fear for students speaking out on controversial issues.

Why This Matters in Michigan:
Students at Michigan universities face increased risk of targeting, intimidation, and loss of funding due to federal actions.

Take Action Now:

• Demand Michigan universities publicly commit to protecting student activism and free speech.

• Engage Michigan’s Congressional delegation to condemn federal intimidation tactics.

🔗 Resources:

• Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression (FIRE)

• ACLU of Michigan

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Why These Reps:

Student free speech and campus expression are governed by both state education policies and federal constitutional protections. McFall and McMorrow shape how Michigan handles education access and inclusion, while Stevens, Slotkin, and Peters help defend federal protections against censorship.

Send to:
Rep. Mike McFall
Sen. Mallory McMorrow
Rep. Haley Stevens
Sen. Elissa Slotkin
Sen. Gary Peters

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Physical Letter Template:

Your Name
City, Zip Code
Email or Phone
Date

To: Senator Elissa Slotkin
291 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

OR

To: Senator Gary Peters
724 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Subject: Protect Free Speech and Student Activism on Campus

Dear [Representative or Senator Last Name],

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to defend academic freedom and student activism at Michigan colleges and universities.

Recent federal actions targeting student protesters, particularly those speaking out in support of Palestinian rights, pose a serious threat to free speech and peaceful expression. Students should be able to engage in activism without fear of surveillance, retaliation, or loss of institutional support.

Michigan has a proud tradition of civic engagement and academic freedom. I am asking you to speak out against any federal intimidation tactics and support state and campus-level protections for students exercising their First Amendment rights.

Thank you for your leadership in protecting free expression and the rights of all students in Michigan.

Sincerely,

Email Template:

Subject: Protect Free Speech and Student Activism on Michigan Campuses

Dear [Representative or Senator Last Name],

I am reaching out as your constituent to ask that you defend student activists and academic freedom in Michigan.

There has been a troubling increase in federal actions that threaten the rights of students, especially those advocating for Palestinian rights. Free speech and peaceful protest are core democratic values that must be upheld, not punished.

I urge you to publicly condemn these federal intimidation tactics and support protections that allow students in Michigan to organize, speak out, and express their beliefs without fear.

Thank you for your commitment to civil liberties and the rights of all Michigan students.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[City, ZIP Code]
[Email or Phone, optional]

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State Representative Mike McFall (D – 14th District)

• Mailing Address:
  The Honorable Mike McFall
  Michigan House of Representatives
  P.O. Box 30014
  Lansing, MI 48909-7514

• Phone: (517) 373-0140

• Email: MikeMcFall@house.mi.gov

• Website: housedems.com/mike-mcfall​

State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D – 8th District)

• Mailing Address:
  The Honorable Mallory McMorrow
  Michigan Senate
  P.O. Box 30036
  Lansing, MI 48909-7536

• Phone: (517) 373-2523

• Email: senmmcmorrow@senate.michigan.gov

• Website: senatedems.com/mcmorrow

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D – 11th Congressional District)

• Washington, D.C. Office:
  The Honorable Haley Stevens
  2411 Rayburn House Office Building
  Washington, DC 20515

• Phone: (202) 225-8171

• Email Contact Form: stevens.house.gov/contact​

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D – Junior Senator)

• Washington, D.C. Office:
  The Honorable Elissa Slotkin
  825B Hart Senate Office Building
  Washington, DC 20510

• Phone: (202) 224-4822

• Email Contact Form: slotkin.senate.gov/contact​

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D – Senior Senator)

• Washington, D.C. Office:
  The Honorable Gary Peters
  724 Hart Senate Office Building
  Washington, DC 20510

• Phone: (202) 224-6221

• Email Contact Form: peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary

Not sure who to contact or what to say? Our Raise Your Voice with Impact guide breaks it all down. Learn who does what, when to reach out, and how to make it count.