Analysis
This story is based on the decision by the Grand Rapids School Board at their June 19 meeting to vote to have the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative taken off the ballot. Two people with the organization By Any Means Necessary are cited in the story, but no one from the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative was. A report by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission was cited again about the fraudulent practices used to get signatures on the ballot. The only board members mentioned were Jim Rinck, because of his absence and board president Amy McGlynn, but none of them are quoted, nor is the actual language of the unanimous decision by the GR School Board.
Article Text
GRAND RAPIDS — Board of Education members said they want a controversial plan that would eliminate affirmative action programs stripped from the November ballot.
Members on Monday voted 8-0 — Jim Rinck was absent — to oppose the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, saying opportunity is key in a just society.
The board also agreed with activists who believe some people were tricked into signing petitions to get the measure on the statewide ballot.
Tristan Taylor, of Operation King’s Dream and By Any Means Necessary, told members the Michigan Civil Rights Commission issued a report and concluded there was evidence of “fraud and shameful acts of deception,” by those collecting signatures.
“If this resolution was about duck hunting or dove hunting, there’s no way it would be in the ballot,” he said.
Heather Miller told the board Detroit Public Schools leaders passed a similar resolution objecting the plan.
“These people have to be told that you cannot walk up to people and lie and think you will get away with it,” she said.
Board President Amy McGlynn said members value the diversity within city schools and have worked to make the staff and companies that do business with the schools more reflective of the district’s enrollment.
Supporters of the initiative have denied people were tricked into signing petitions.
Related posts:
- Election Board Fails to Certify Affirmative Action Ballot Proposal
- GR school board denies ballot proposal backing
- Court Orders Affirmative Action Proposal on 2006 Ballot
- Grand Rapids School Board Passes Resolution Opposing the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI)
- School board blasted for not backing ballot issue
