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UMich Faces Dual Crisis: Financial Conflicts and Beverage Contract

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-financial-conflicts-and-beverage-contract.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 22:11 GMT by The Michigan Daily
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Ann Arbor, MI - February 26th, 2026 - The University of Michigan is facing a dual crisis of confidence this week, stemming from revelations of undisclosed financial conflicts involving a former dean and the potential for a restrictive exclusive beverage contract. A comprehensive investigation by The Michigan Daily has unearthed significant omissions in the financial disclosure forms of Dr. Ted Feldstein, the former Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, while simultaneously, the University is weighing a deal that would grant Celsius Energy Drink exclusive beverage distribution rights across campus.

The Daily's investigation, published on Wednesday, alleges that Feldstein failed to report over $750,000 in income received from pharmaceutical giants between 2016 and 2022. University policy mandates the disclosure of any financial relationships exceeding $10,000, making this omission a substantial breach of transparency standards. The unreported income stemmed from various engagements with companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck, including consultancy work, speaking fees, and positions on corporate boards.

"The scale of the undisclosed income is deeply concerning," stated Ayo Oyerinde, Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Daily. "This isn't a minor oversight; it represents a significant lapse in transparency and legitimately raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Was Dr. Feldstein's judgment influenced by these financial ties when making decisions impacting research, curriculum, or patient care? The University needs to address these concerns fully and openly."

The allegations against Dr. Feldstein coincide with internal discussions surrounding a proposed contract with Celsius Energy Drink. The agreement, if finalized, would grant Celsius exclusive rights to sell its beverages on the University of Michigan campus, effectively eliminating competition from other beverage suppliers. This move has sparked criticism from student government and raised fears about limited choices and potentially inflated prices.

Student Government President Ariadna Gutierrez voiced her concerns in a statement, saying, "While we acknowledge and support the University's commitment to promoting health and wellness initiatives, an exclusive contract of this nature feels counterintuitive. It restricts student autonomy, limits their ability to make informed choices, and potentially runs against the very values of inclusivity and accessibility that the University espouses." Gutierrez further suggested that the contract prioritizes profit over student well-being.

The potential Celsius deal is reminiscent of similar contracts signed by other universities in recent years, often justified by the promise of increased revenue and sponsorship opportunities. However, critics argue that these arrangements often come at the cost of student choice and can create an environment that promotes unhealthy beverage consumption. Several student activist groups are already planning protests, demanding greater transparency in the contract negotiations and a reconsideration of the proposed agreement.

The convergence of these two controversies - the undisclosed financial ties and the exclusive beverage contract - has ignited a broader conversation about ethics, transparency, and accountability within the University administration. Faculty members are calling for a thorough review of the University's conflict of interest policies and stricter enforcement of existing regulations. They argue that the Feldstein case highlights a systemic problem with oversight and a lack of robust mechanisms for detecting and addressing potential conflicts.

"This isn't just about one individual," explained Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of bioethics at UMich. "It's about the culture of transparency and accountability within the institution. We need to ensure that financial interests don't compromise the integrity of our research, teaching, and patient care. And that extends to all areas of University decision-making, including commercial contracts."

The University of Michigan has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations regarding Dr. Feldstein or provide details about the ongoing negotiations with Celsius. The lack of communication has only fueled speculation and heightened concerns among students, faculty, and the wider community. The Daily has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking access to Dr. Feldstein's complete financial disclosure forms and the details of the proposed Celsius contract. The University is legally obligated to respond within a reasonable timeframe. The fallout from these events could have lasting implications for the University's reputation and its commitment to ethical conduct.