The University of Michigan will pursue all legal options available to "continue the fight for diversity," University President Mary Sue Coleman said in an announcement released Wednesday.
Voters passed a much-debated amendment to Michigan's constitution yesterday, formally ending race and gender preferences in all state agencies, including state colleges.
"We will not be deterred in the all-important work of creating a diverse, welcoming campus," Coleman said.
The amendment will require significant changes in the University of Michigan's admissions policy and has been the subject of fierce debate both on the regional and national levels.
"We will find ways to overcome the handcuffs that Proposal 2 attempts to place on our reach for greater diversity," Coleman said.
Kim Forde-Mazrui, University Law professor and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Law, suggested Michigan has few options to pursue.
"They don't have any options other than to try and get people to amend the state constitution again," he said. "But that's not going to happen any time soon -- if ever."
Forde-Mazrui, a Michigan undergraduate and law school alumnus, said affirmative action programs such as the one currently in place at Michigan are necessary in order to ensure racial diversity; though he noted that admissions based on socioeconomic criteria may promote both economic and racial diversity.
"If we're going to create racial diversity we would generally need to take race into account," he said.
Diane Schachterle, director of public relations for the American Civil Rights Institute, which supported the amendment, argued that the changes will encourage rather than inhibit diversity at Michigan.
"The University of Michigan will have to choose people to attend based on merit and need and other criteria rather than race and gender," she said. "[The university] will increase their outreach, and they will find wonderfully qualified students."
The success of the amendment is especially significant considering yesterday's slew of Democratic victories, Forde-Mazrui noted.
"Amidst all the blue victory, on these two social issues of affirmative action and gay marriage, Republicans scored big last night," he said.
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | 22 hours agoThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 4 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
