© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ann Arbor to host inaugural statewide conference on human trafficking

Human Trafficking photo
Scott Pohl
/
WKAR
Jane White of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force (L) and Judge Michelle Rick.

A conference this week in Ann Arbor aims to fight human trafficking in our state. We talk with the director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, Jane White, and Judge Michelle Rick, a member of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission.

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center reports that in 2015, Michigan officials received more than 700 calls related to human trafficking. Human trafficking is the practice of coercing someone into forced labor or sexual slavery.

A conference this week in Ann Arbor seeks to find strategies to eliminate the crisis in Michigan. The gathering is the first of its kind ever held in the state.

Current State discusses the scope of human trafficking in Michigan with Michelle Rick, a judge in the 29th Circuit Court covering Clinton and Gratiot counties. She’s a member of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission. We also talk with Jane White, director of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.