Ward Connerly, Free Press Interview March 2004

Q: But it is not legitimate in your view for the city of Detroit, for instance, to try to make its police force reflect the community that we serve.

A.  In my view it is not legitimate.

Q. Isn't it just smart?

A. In the private setting it might be. It might be smart, but is it legal? Is it constitutional? Is it the right public policy? I would say it is not. The voters will have to make that decision.

Q. If this passes, what do you think the effect would be on some of the gender-based programs, like outreach to girls in sciences or allowing some same-sex classes. Would those be options in this state if this were to be in the Constitution?

A.  I think those institutions will probably not survive.

Q. What about outreach programs based on sex, ethnicity, race?

A.  Probably not survive. If we believe that there is a deficiency of women in math and science, we can't give them any preferential treatment.

Q.  What about hiring in a police or fire department where the goal is to reflect the community?

A.  Unless there is some consent decree, that would not be permitted.