Alifa Chowdhury was impeached and removed from her position as president of the University of Michigan’s student government after a tumultuous nine-month term. Her campaign focused on blocking financing for campus organizations until the university committed to divesting from companies profiting from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The impeachment occurred following a significant vote in mid-November, which also resulted in the ouster of vice president Elias Atkinson. A student judicial hearing lasting over 20 hours concluded with both leaders found guilty of dereliction of duty, stemming from their efforts to fulfill the campaign's promises.
The student government's leadership was perceived as polarizing, especially among pro-Palestinian activists, and was met with criticism from other students who believed that their actions hindered meaningful support for the Palestinian cause. Opponents argued that the activists' strategies were ineffective and damaging, leading the university to adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and eventually restore funding to campus groups.
Margaret Peterman, a sophomore who initiated the impeachment, criticized the president and vice president for their failure to support the student body. Some students felt that the activists' actions were counterproductive, suggesting that their approach alienated potential allies and harmed the movement's social reputation.
The impeachment brought forth discussions on the boundaries of free speech, with concerns raised regarding whether the leaders incited violence by encouraging protests during a critical funding meeting. While some assembly members defended the leaders’ rights to advocate for their beliefs, others emphasized the need to differentiate between acceptable speech and incitement.
With the leadership removed, Mario Thaqi, the speaker of the student assembly, will serve as acting president. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of representation for all students amid the potential fallout from the impeachment.