University of Michigan Regent Accused of Lewd Messages in Group Chat
Jordan Acker, a University of Michigan regent who has been a prominent figure in the university's crackdown on pro-Palestinian student protests, is now embroiled in a scandal involving obscene sexual comments. Messages attributed to Acker, shared with the Guardian, include lewd remarks about a Democratic party strategist and a female U-M student, along with a picture of her with friends. These revelations come just days before a critical primary convention election for two open seats on the U-M board of regents, a race that has become a local flashpoint in the broader national debate over criticism of Israel on college campuses.
Background of the Controversial Regent
Acker, an attorney known for his confrontational, pro-Israel stance at the large public university, played a key role in recruiting the Michigan attorney general to pursue highly unusual prosecutions against students involved in protests. Additionally, during his tenure on the board, the university conducted a sprawling undercover surveillance operation against these students. Both the prosecutions and surveillance efforts were dropped following Guardian reports on each incident. Acker has also faced criticism for leading the university as it dismantled its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative under pressure from former President Donald Trump.
The Heated Election Race and Challengers
The regents race, typically low-profile, is exceptionally tense this year as pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian candidates vie for seats. Acker is being challenged by Amir Makled, a progressive defense attorney from Dearborn, Michigan, who represented some of the pro-Palestinian protesters targeted by prosecutions. Makled is popular among the Democratic party's left flank, which has expressed frustration with U-M's handling of student protests and its relations with unions. Current U-M regent Paul Brown is also part of the three-way race, with both his and Acker's terms expiring on 1 January. Democratic party delegates from across Michigan will effectively choose two nominees at a 19 April convention for the general election in November.
Details of the Lewd Messages
The Guardian reviewed messages from a Slack group, attributed to an account bearing Acker's name, which included sexual comments about a strategist and a U-M student. One message described the strategist as "an absolute freak in bed," while another referenced a "buddy" having an "insane experience" with her. Additional messages contained lewd descriptions and a picture of a student and her friends, with comments about her health and personal life. Six people who were part of the Slack group confirmed seeing the messages when they were sent, noting that the group, composed of about 30 left-leaning professionals, discussed sports and Michigan politics and was not involved in the regents race.
Response from Acker and Endorsements
Acker's lawyer stated in an email that his client has never used Slack and expressed "doubts about the authenticity of the alleged 'Slack screengrabs.'" When asked if Acker denied writing the messages, the attorney responded ambiguously. Despite the scandal, Acker largely retains support from the political establishment, with endorsements from U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and several major unions. However, McMorrow issued a statement saying, "If these messages are real, then they are disgusting," though her spokesperson did not clarify if this affects her endorsement. Whitmer did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the University of Michigan or the Michigan Education Association, a major union that endorsed Acker.
Impact on the Election and Broader Context
The messages emerge amid a contentious election where Makled has also faced criticism for social media posts, including a retweet lamenting the death of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and another referring to Israelis as "demons." These posts led to Makled losing an endorsement from the Service Employees International Union. Makled told the Guardian that the Slack messages are "especially disappointing after I have been falsely accused of supporting things I've never supported." The delegates' votes are expected to be counted, and the state party is set to make its endorsements on Sunday evening, highlighting the intense scrutiny and high stakes in this race reflecting deep societal tensions.
