Michigan State University: Board of Trustees Suppresses Dissenting Voices

At a May 2026 special meeting, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved amendments to its Code of Ethics and Conduct that restrict the ability of trustees to speak about university affairs and voice their dissent to measures passed by the board. Trustees who violate the code face consequences ranging from censure to “referral to appropriate entities for removal.” On May 29, FIRE wrote to the board, calling on it to revise the code to ensure compliance with the First Amendment and the university’s stated commitment to free speech.