On June 3, 2024, the Goodman Acker law firm in Southfield, Michigan, was vandalized in what police are investigating as a hate crime. Surveillance footage showed four individuals targeting the building in the early morning hours, spraying graffiti and splashing red paint. Messages included “Free Palestine,” “Divest now,” “UM Kills,” and “F— you Acker,” along with red handprints and paint on the firm’s sign. Jordan Acker, a University of Michigan regent and co-founder of the firm, stated the act was antisemitic and personally targeted him due to his Jewish identity, not because of his role at the university. Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren confirmed the incident is being treated as a hate crime and that authorities are working with the FBI and other agencies. The act drew condemnation from Michigan officials including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Senator Jeremy Moss, who called it hateful and unacceptable. The incident follows months of pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Michigan calling for divestment from Israel, during which Acker had already faced targeted demonstrations.
July 21, 2025