Michigan Governor’s Surprising Stance in Controversial Protest Dispute Stirs Attention

Rashiba Tlaib on a megaphone address system

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer remains neutral in a heated dispute between Attorney General Dana Nessel and Rep. Rashida Tlaib over anti-Semitic protests at the University of Michigan.

At a Glance

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declined to take sides in a debate between Dana Nessel and Rashida Tlaib over anti-Semitic protests at the University of Michigan.
Whitmer emphasized the importance of student safety and free speech on campuses.
Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 11 students for refusing to vacate pro-Palestinian protest encampments.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib accused Nessel of bias, which Nessel rejected as anti-Semitic.
Whitmer expressed empathy for both Jewish and Palestinian communities but avoided commenting on Tlaib’s accusations.

Whitmer’s Neutral Stance on Nessel-Tlaib Feud

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has chosen to remain neutral amid the contentious debate between Attorney General Dana Nessel and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. This dispute centers on charges against students involved in pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Michigan, leading to accusations of anti-Semitism and bias.

Whitmer emphasized the importance of student safety and the protection of free speech on campuses while sidestepping direct involvement in the conflict. She reiterated her commitment to safeguarding the interests of both Jewish and Palestinian communities in Michigan. Her neutral stance was evident during her recent interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper.

“I'm not going to get in the middle of this argument that they're having.”
@GovWhitmer declines to weigh in after Michigan AG Dana Nessel accused Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of an antisemitic remark for suggesting her charges against pro-Palestinian protesters were biased. pic.twitter.com/uh8tyVJcU2

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) September 22, 2024

Nessel’s Legal Actions and Tlaib’s Allegations

Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 11 University of Michigan students for refusing to vacate encampments during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Nessel defended her decision, stating, “Conviction in your ideals is not an excuse for violations of the law” and “what is a crime anywhere else in the city remains a crime on university property.” Nessel also said, “Conviction in your ideals is not an excuse for violations of the law.”

Rep. Rashida Tlaib criticized Nessel’s actions, alleging possible biases influenced Nessel’s decision because the issue related to Palestine. Tlaib stated, “It seems that the attorney general decided if the issue was Palestine, she was going to treat it differently, and that alone speaks volumes about possible biases within the agency she runs.”

Michigan's attorney general accuses Rep. Rashida Tlaib of antisemitism because the congresswoman criticized the prosecution of pro-Palestine campus protesters.
Tlaib has never mentioned Nassel's religion in any of her statements. https://t.co/gtZ736Dj3Q

— Ali Harb (@Harbpeace) September 21, 2024

Public and Official Reactions

Nessel responded to Tlaib’s remarks, calling them anti-Semitic and asserting that her ability to perform her job fairly should not be questioned based on her religion. “Rashida Tlaib should not use my religion to imply I cannot perform my job fairly as Attorney General. It’s anti-Semitic and wrong,” Nessel stated.

Criticism also followed Whitmer’s neutral stance. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, chastised her for not supporting Nessel and for avoiding unequivocally speaking out against anti-Semitism. “Governor Whitmer, when your attorney general prosecutes people for violating the law, harassing Jews, and attacking police officers, it’s in the interest of public safety. When a congresswoman accuses the attorney general of prosecuting protestors simply because she’s Jewish, it’s bias,” Greenblatt said.

Greenblatt also went on to say that, “Governor Whitmer, when your attorney general prosecutes people for violating the law, harassing Jews, and attacking police officers, it’s in the interest of public safety. When a congresswoman accuses the attorney general of prosecuting protestors simply because she’s Jewish, it’s bias.”