Rashida Tlaib Instagram – Wayne State University is at the center of controversy following a police crackdown on a peaceful protest on campus, reigniting scrutiny over a 2019 training trip to Israel by the university’s police chief. On May 30, Wayne State police officers dismantled a protest organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, leading to several arrests and allegations of excessive force. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib issued a statement condemning the police action, claiming it was a blatant attempt to suppress free speech. She highlighted an incident where a young woman’s hijab was forcibly removed, calling it a violation of religious freedom. The incident has drawn renewed attention to Wayne State Chief of Police Anthony Holt’s 2019 trip to Israel, where he received training in situational awareness and counterterrorism from Israeli security Funded by the Israel Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, the training covered a wide range of topics, including terrorism threats and security strategies. Critics argue that the aggressive tactics used by Wayne State police during the recent protest reflect the militarized strategies learned during Holt’s trip. “This violent and unnecessary raid targeting Palestinian solidarity under false pretenses is hardly surprising,” said Tlaib, linking the incident to Holt’s past training. Wayne State University President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy acknowledged the protest and stated that public safety officers were present to ensure it remained peaceful and non-disruptive to campus operations. This comes after Wayne State University faculty and staff are calling for President Kimberly Espy’s resignation after police, authorized by Espy, used force to clear a student protest encampment According to Metro Times. (Photo from Anthony Holt’s 2019 Israel visit, with Holt standing on the far left)