URGENT UPDATE: The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents convened February 19, 2026, to tackle critical issues, including the controversial presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the newly opened D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion. This meeting comes amid rising concerns about safety and healthcare access for vulnerable communities.
Michigan Medicine‘s chief nurse, Julie Ishak, highlighted the successful opening of the pavilion on November 23, 2025, which has since cared for an average of 194 patients daily. Acknowledging the efforts of the medical staff, Ishak stated, “It is truly hard to capture into words the energy and excitement that was in the air that day.” The pavilion has already performed 1,250 surgeries and handled 164 interventional radiology cases.
Following this, Regent Jordan Acker expressed deep concerns regarding ICE’s recent lease of office space in Southfield, a location close to the university. Acker emphasized the fear ICE’s unmarked officers instill among immigrant students and faculty, stating, “When masked officers operate without visible identification… trust erodes and fear fills the gap.” He proposed measures to enhance transparency from law enforcement on campus.
“We cannot and should not try to control federal policy, but we can insist that the conduct on our campus reflects our values, safety, dignity and constitutional rights,” Acker said.
In a stark reminder of the complexities facing the university, Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta reported a projected budget shortfall for the 2026-2027 academic year, largely due to declining international graduate enrollment. Scarlatta urged initiatives to boost domestic student numbers, including the Great Lakes Scholarship program.
Public commentary during the meeting took a poignant turn when Kim Dorey, a parent of transgender children, urged the regents to restore gender-affirming care that was discontinued for patients under 19 last year. Dorey described how the discontinuation left families without critical healthcare options, saying, “What is the best way to explain to your child that they no longer have access to the care that saved their life?”
Interim University President Domenico Grasso addressed ongoing evaluations for a proposed data center in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The project, facing backlash from both university and Ypsilanti communities due to environmental concerns, is still under review. Grasso assured stakeholders, “We are conducting careful due diligence that includes listening.”
Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo called for the regents to reconsider site placements, advocating for community involvement in decision-making processes. “I’m here for a very simple request: that we sit down at the table and work together,” she urged, highlighting the potential impact on local residents.
This meeting reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy, healthcare access, and the university’s financial health. As these discussions unfold, the University of Michigan is positioned at the forefront of critical societal issues that resonate deeply with its diverse community.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops, and share your thoughts on these important matters affecting the University of Michigan community.
