UPDATE: The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents convened Thursday afternoon to tackle urgent issues surrounding gender-affirming care, the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the newly opened D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion. This meeting comes as significant concerns are raised about community safety and healthcare access.
During the session, Julie Ishak, chief nurse and operations executive at Michigan Medicine, highlighted the pavilion’s successful launch on November 23, 2025, where 186 patients were safely transferred on its first day. Ishak emphasized the dedication of healthcare professionals, stating, “Teamwork and caring are two of our core values… they were on full display that day.”
Since its opening, the pavilion has managed an average of 194 patients daily, performed 1,250 surgeries, and handled 164 interventional radiology cases. This facility represents a major investment in patient care, but its significance is overshadowed by the challenges posed by ICE’s actions.
Regent Jordan Acker voiced urgent concerns regarding ICE’s recent decision to lease office space at Oakland Towne Square, which is alarming local immigrant communities. He stated that unmarked officers have instilled fear among students, faculty, and patients, saying, “Trust erodes and fear fills the gap… No one on this campus should have to ask the question, ‘Who are these people? Do they have authority? Am I safe?’”
Acker called for measures to ensure law enforcement on campus is clearly identified, acknowledging the limits of university control over federal policies. “I’ve asked our general counsel to advise whether we can require clear physical identification from officers operating on our campus,” he added. This demand aims to uphold the university’s commitment to safety and dignity.
In a related report, Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta addressed a budget shortfall at the Dearborn campus for the academic year 2026-2027, attributing it to a decline in international graduate student enrollment. She noted proactive measures, including the introduction of the Great Lakes Scholarship, designed to attract domestic students amid these challenges.
Public commentary highlighted the emotional stakes involved. Donald Levitt, chair of the alumni organization Maize and Blue Courage, urged regents to defend the university’s academic integrity and independence in the face of federal pressures. He stated, “We can curl up in a ball or we can do what Michigan has always done at its best: We can lead.”
Another poignant moment came from Kim Dorey, a parent of two transgender children, who criticized Michigan Medicine for discontinuing gender-affirming care for patients under 19, following a federal subpoena from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in August 2025. Dorey implored regents to restore this vital service, expressing the devastating impact of the decision on families. “What is the best way to explain to your child that they no longer have access to the care that saved their life?” she asked.
In response to community concerns, Interim University President Domenico Grasso reported on ongoing evaluations for a planned data center in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Two potential sites, Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township and the American Center for Mobility, have spurred significant backlash regarding environmental impacts and community safety.
Grasso reassured stakeholders, stating, “We are conducting careful due diligence that includes listening… Our goal is to identify a location that advances this critical research mission while also reflecting the priorities and concerns of the surrounding community.”
Community leaders, including Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, urged the regents to prioritize environmental safety and community welfare in their decision-making process. Stumbo implored, “I’m here for a very simple request: that we sit down at the table and work together.”
As the University of Michigan navigates these pressing issues, the outcomes of this meeting will have lasting implications for healthcare access, safety, and community relations. The urgency of these discussions underscores the need for immediate action to uphold the university’s values and protect its diverse community.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
