The Michigan Board of Canvassers has rescinded its approval of the "Michigan Civil Rights Initiative," a petition designed to allow citizens to vote on whether or not affirmative action policies should be allowed in Michigan. The petition language has drawn significant criticism for its vagueness and the Ingham County Circuit Court recently ruled that the petition language does not acknowledge that the proposal would "alter or abrogate" portions of the state Constitution dealing with civil rights. According to recent media reports, about 40 percent of voters incorrectly thought the Civil Rights Initiative would strengthen affirmative action rather than eliminate it.

The petition drive and campaign is being organized by Ward Connerly, a rightwing activist who helped pass California's Proposition 209 that banned affirmative action programs in hiring, contracting, and public school admissions. He has pledged to bring similar initiatives to the ballot in a number of states.

Previous Media Mouse Coverage: March 31, 2004