Anti-Affirmative Action Ballot Proposal

Despite many legal challenges, the citizens of Michigan will vote on a ballot proposal to amend the state constitution, which if passed, would ban the use of gender and race-based affirmative action programs in public institutions. The so-called “Michigan Civil Rights Initiative” would ban institutions from using preferences for selecting an individual from being in a specific group based on gender, race, color, ethnicity or national origin. This would ban universities, community colleges, state and local governments from using progressive standards to maintain and promote diversity in their hiring, admission and contracting standards.

It is important to be registered to vote by October 7 2006 to be eligible to vote in the state-wide election on Tuesday November 7 2006 to show your support against this measure that will set back the progress of civil rights for both women and people of color.

While neither opponents nor supporters of the initiative were completely satisfied with the ballot language, it is important to note that no previous statewide initiative on this issue has included the words “ban affirmative action” on the ballot. This is an important move to show the people of Michigan the true effects of this proposal.

If enacted, this proposal, could severely harm Michigan’s economy as well as eliminate opportunities for women and racial/ethnic minorities.  For example, the amendment could:

• Eliminate programs that help women achieve pay equity with men. Michigan women are paid 67 cents for every dollar men earn;

• Eliminate programs that encourage women to enter fields where they are underrepresented and could earn higher wages;
• Eliminate outreach and other programs that inform women and minorities of opportunities to earn public contracts;
• Eliminate other areas of government employment.
• Eliminate elementary and high school level reading, science and math programs for female and minority students; and
• The amendment could eliminate scholarships and programs that encourage women and minorities to enter medical, science and engineering careers.

It is important to show your support against this proposal. Michigan NOW stands strongly against this proposal and urges you to do the same. Show your support for gender equality in Michigan by voting against the so called “Michigan Civil Rights Initiative” and urge your friends and neighbors to do the same.