URGENT UPDATE: The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents convened on January 31, 2026, to tackle critical issues affecting the campus community, including 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.
During the meeting, Michigan Medicine’s chief nurse, Julie Ishak, reported that the health care pavilion successfully transferred 186 patients on its opening day, signaling a significant operational achievement. Ishak emphasized the dedication of the health care professionals involved, stating, “Teamwork and caring are two of our core values… they were on full display that day.”
Since its opening in November 2025, the pavilion has averaged 194 patients per day and performed 1,250 surgeries, showcasing an immediate impact on patient care.
In a separate discussion, Regent Jordan Acker raised alarms about ICE’s recent decision to lease office space at Oakland Towne Square, which has intensified fears among immigrant students and faculty. Acker, who attended a recent anti-ICE demonstration alongside Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Sen. Jeremy Moss, voiced concerns over unmarked officers operating on campus. “Trust erodes and fear fills the gap,” Acker stated, urging the university to enforce clear identification for law enforcement on campus.
Acker also mentioned that he has instructed the university’s general counsel to explore potential legal measures that would ensure law enforcement activities are conducted transparently and respectfully. “We cannot control federal policy, but we can insist that conduct on our campus reflects our values,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta reported a projected budget shortfall for the Dearborn campus due to declining enrollment, particularly among international students. The university is implementing strategies to boost domestic enrollment, including the introduction of the Great Lakes Scholarship, which offers in-state tuition to nearby residents.
During public commentary, community advocate Kim Dorey, a parent of transgender children, expressed distress over Michigan Medicine’s discontinuation of gender-affirming care for patients under 19. Dorey urged regents to hold a vote to restore these critical services, stating, “Parents were left to explain a canned apology letter to their children… 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 potential sites in Ypsilanti Township have faced community backlash due to concerns over environmental impact and nuclear research implications. Grasso reiterated the university’s commitment to engaging with community stakeholders, stating, “Our goal is to identify a location that advances this critical research mission while also reflecting the priorities and concerns of the surrounding community.”
The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue between university officials and local residents to ensure community voices are heard in the decision-making process.
As these urgent issues unfold, the university community remains vigilant, advocating for transparency, safety, and inclusivity in a rapidly changing environment.
Stay tuned for further updates on these critical developments impacting the University of Michigan.
