Full Breakdown
University of Michigan Investigates Regent Jordan Acker Over Alleged Lewd Messages
4/23/2026, 2:05:37 AM
Allegations and Investigation Initiation
The University of Michigan has launched an investigation into Regent Jordan Acker following allegations of inappropriate and lewd messages purportedly sent via the messaging platform Slack. These messages, reported by The Guardian, allegedly included misogynistic comments about a female University of Michigan student and shared her picture. The investigation was confirmed by Regents Mark J. Bernstein and Michael J. Behm, who expressed their expectation for a thorough and fair inquiry into the matter. The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA) described the conduct as "disgusting" and a violation of professional standards, urging Acker to resign if the allegations are substantiated.
Background on Regent Acker
Jordan Acker has served on the University of Michigan Board of Regents since 2019. Recently, he lost the Democratic nomination for reelection to attorney Amir Makled, which some speculate was influenced by the emergence of these allegations. Acker's tenure has been marked by his vocal support for Israel, particularly following incidents of vandalism at his home and office after the 2024 Hamas attacks.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against Acker include claims that he shared private information about a student in a group chat, where he allegedly made lewd comments regarding her sexual activity. One reported message suggested that Acker speculated on the student's health issues in a derogatory manner. Acker has denied these claims, asserting through his attorney that he has never used Slack and questioning the authenticity of the messages.
Investigation Oversight
Initially, the University of Michigan planned to handle the investigation internally. However, it later decided to engage the New York law firm Patterson Belknap to conduct the inquiry. This decision follows a previous costly investigation into the university's athletic department, which raised concerns about the handling of sensitive matters.
Official Statements and Responses
In their joint statement, Regents Bernstein and Behm emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive investigation. They stated, "We immediately reported this matter and expect it to be investigated thoroughly, fairly, and expeditiously." The SACUA echoed this sentiment, calling the reported conduct "unbecoming" of Acker's elected position.
Criticism and Opposition
The allegations have sparked significant backlash within the university community. Faculty Senate President Derek Peterson expressed profound disappointment over Acker's purported comments, highlighting the expectation for regents to advocate for students' interests. Critics argue that if the allegations are proven true, Acker's position as a regent would be untenable.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Acker's attorney has denied the authenticity of the messages, a user named Jeff Moss, who claims to have provided the messages to The Guardian, has stated he will cooperate with investigators to prove their legitimacy. This discrepancy raises questions about the evidence and the potential outcomes of the investigation.
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, the University of Michigan community awaits further developments. The outcome may have significant implications for Acker's political future and the university's governance.
