About — FOG at Michigan

Our Mission

Facts on the Ground at the University of Michigan (FOG at Michigan) is a student group dedicated to "clearing the fog" of disinformation on campus related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the 2023 - present Israel-Hamas war through educational initiatives that foster diverse, productive, and fact-based dialogue.

Our Vision

Facts on the Ground envisions a future in which students at the University of Michigan and across college campuses can engage in fact-based conversations regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Progress in our mission hinges on the collective responsibility of individuals to put aside personal differences in an effort to find common ground and develop an actionable path forward grounded in facts and historically significant evidence. We are committed to paving a pathway forward by amplifying diverse perspectives that support a nuanced understanding of Israel’s right to self-determination and peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

Why We Started

On October 31, 2023, a petition titled: “University Accountability in the Face of Genocide” (AR 13-025) was proposed to the University of Michigan Central Student Government (CSG). AR 13-025 was signed by over 1,000 University of Michigan students and faculty members, urging the University of Michigan Board of Regents and President to recognize the state of Israel as an “apartheid regime” that commits “genocide.” AR 13-025 contained factually inaccurate and antisemitic language. Further, the petition asked the University to investigate investments and divest funds from Israel, indirectly calling for BDS. AR 13-025 did not pass in CSG on October 31, and was thus sent to a campus-wide election on November 28-30, ultimately canceled by University of Michigan President Santa Ono.

Objectives

1

Equip Students with Facts to Prevent Disinformation: Debunk disinformation surrounding the Middle East that aims to compromise students’ opinions and incite campus division.

2

Political Advocacy: Collaborate with Central Student Government candidates, grassroots organizations, and policymakers to ensure representatives at all levels of government are informed about the rising hate on college campuses driven by disinformation.

3

Foster Meaningful Dialogue: Cultivate an informed and empowered community grounded in factual debate, providing a space for nuance, complexity, and diverse coalitions of students.