Local Civil Rights Attorney Running for University of Michigan Board of Regents
Amir Makled, a civil rights attorney who recently defended individuals facing felony charges related to protests at the University of Michigan, has announced his candidacy for the university’s Board of Regents. Makled, seeking the Democratic nomination for the governing body, believes that legal victories do not always translate into policy changes within the institution.
With a background at the U-M Dearborn campus, Makled has been involved in student advocacy efforts, including initiatives to limit tuition increases and organize student-led book swaps. Now, he aims to bring his advocacy to the highest level of university governance by running for the Board of Regents.
The Board of Regents, consisting of eight members, holds “general supervision” over the university and plays a key role in decisions regarding tuition, contracts, and the university’s budget. Makled’s decision to run stems from a desire to influence policy changes directly from within the institution.
To secure a spot on the state-wide ballot, Makled will need to win his party’s nomination at the Michigan Democratic convention in April. His candidacy adds to the competition, as another Democrat, Sean Rositano, announced his candidacy in November. Rositano, a legislative director in the Michigan House of Representatives, presents another option for voters in the upcoming election.
