4 - The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, May 5, 1998 Edited and managed by CHRIS FARAH DAviD WALLACE students at the ,r Editor in Chief Editorial Page Editor w University of Michigan Unless otherwise natr. itisi d htorials reflecthe ioio l to ofth aajrlef he ~al ' ciurta ort. Alohr ril.Irai 420 Maynard Street majority of the Dail iitill bo a er articles. lettes and K Ann Arbor, Ml{ 48109 cartoons do not necrssaxit rfl cci the opinion of The Aician Daily T' oday, voters in Ypsilanti will go to the polls to decide whether a controversial ordinance banning discrimination should be reinstated or repealed. The ordinance became the subject of much debate because it extends protection to those dis- criminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. In a country still strug- gling against intolerance, this ordinance is critical to insuring that all residents have the same rights and opportunities. Voters in Ypsilanti should vote in favor of rein- stating the ordinance. The anti-discrimination ordinance first came into being last December, when the Ypsilanti City Council unanimously approved the measure. The ordinance lists 14 specific characteristics which receive statutory protection. The inclusion of sexu- al orientation in the ordinance upset many city residents, triggering a drive to bring the ordinance to a referendum vote. The drive succeeded in gathering the necessary number of signatures, culminating in the ordinance's suspension and today's vote. Crucial referendum Ypsilanti votes on discrimination ordinance As election day grew nearer last week, Sexual orientation is a deeply personal the ordinance, and specifically the issue of issue that should not adversely affect a per- gay rights, took center stage. In a late effort son's ability to live a peaceful, productive to sway the vote, groups opposing the ordi- life. Without this ordinance, people may nance held a highly publicized rally in have their sexuality - an extremely private which a number of celebrities, including issue - used as a weapon against them. An football star Reggie White, spoke out employer could conceivably learn that a gay against the ordinance. The glitter of nation- employee is on the payroll, and then fire the al fame accompanying the celebrities only individual for only that reason, regardless of served to obscure the issue. the employee's previous track record. That Sadly, ordinances such as the one at the the employee's sexuality is not a matter for heart of this controversy remain necessary the employer's concern would make no dif- today. Most people will not deny that ference. America still wears some vestiges of the When Ypsilanti voters go to the polls prejudice that permeates its past. Yet some of today, they should consider the importance these same people cannot see that sexual ori- of their own private matters, whatever they entation requires the same protection as may be, and imagine having those matters many other characteristics which serve as a meddled with by outside forces. This basis for discrimination. hypothetical violation of one's personal life is of the same principle, but lesser magnitude, as the violation people feel when discriminated against because of sexual orientation. Also, when casting their vote Ypsilanti residents should not allow the recent celebrity influence to cloud their judgment. The presence of famous nonres- idents only represented opinions which have no vote in today's election. People may see someone of Reggie White's stature and follow his lead, all the while blinded by his fame as an athlete. Voters must look within themselves and vote as they feel is right. Those who are part of life in Ypsilanti need to take the lead on c( troversial issues instead of letting others direct the dialog. In the future, Ypsilanti should rely on its own voices. Today is an important day in the histo- ry of Ypsilanti. Voters should cast their ballots to reinstate the anti-discrimination ordinance and provide those whose rights need protection with the ability to live in peace and security. Three strikes Engler forgets his support of term limits L ast week, Gov. John Engler began his after Engler leaves office. Engler sup- 10-day, 39-city tour entitled ported the Constitution, so his rejection "Michigan First in the 21st Century Bus of an issue he recently advocated is all Tour." With this tour, Engler officially the more unsettling. begins his campaign to become A lack of support for issues he loudly Michigan's governor for a third term, champions is nothing new. Engler often Engler's decision to seek the governor's remarks on education, speaking of his position contradicts a promise he made desire for Michigan to develop the best eight years ago to serve only two terms. schools in the country. While he talks For a political figure to maintain his or her about helping schools, Engler demon- integrity, it is important that he or she fol- strates a generally unfriendly attitude low through on campaign commitments. toward Michigan's educational systems. Engler's latest change of mind illustrates Schools not meeting expectations on the lack of integrity that prevents him standardized tests do not rouse Engler's from being a commendable governor. help, and have met with threats of Knowing the distaste people have had decreased furfding. Such a response is for third terms since the days of George baffling, as a faltering school would only Washington, Engler's campaign looks be hurt more when faced with less upon his third term as necessary to con- money. tinue the reforms he brought about in his Engler's 1.5-percent increase in fund- previous terms. Engler says he used his ing to the University also shows his poor first term to get the state back on track support of education. This increase is after the disarray left over from Gov. Jim way down from levels of previous years. Blanchard's era in office. The campaign The result will be felt heavily by the portrays Engler's second term as a period University, and will result in larger of reform. increases in tuition than in past years. In making his promise eight years Higher education is necessary to produce ago; Engler must have felt that politi- the skilled workers needed in the 21st cians lose some of their effectiveness Century. Engler's stingy distribution of after serving two terms in office. funding, affecting other public universi- Campaigns focusing on term limits are ties in addition to the University, not uncommon, especially against demonstrates an inability to properly rec- incumbents. But a politician claiming ognize the steps needed for the state to that term limits are necessary for govern- be competitive with others across the ment to function optimally should country. , believe in his or her own message. With Engler's fickleness on key issues his newly inaugurated campaign, Engler demonstrates a lack of personal integri- apparently does not. ty. One with integrity knows the values The state Constitution, passed in for which he or she stands, and does not 1996, contains a provision limiting gov- waver from them. Engler does not pos- ernprs to two terms. This provision, sess this quality, so crucial for public appropriately enough, will take effect servants. A arch for meaning MEAP test loses support of students he Michigan Education Assessment actually evaluate no more than a student's Program test is a familiar hurdle for capacity to take a particular test on a par- high school juniors on their way to gradu- ticular day. They cannot provide a wholly ation. Recently, many juniors have opted accurate picture of a student. out of the test, in the belief that this par- Standardized tests will continue 4 ticular assessment holds no real meaning determine the academic fates of studen for students and can only hurt their acade- They provide the most efficient way to mic reputations. The state should take gain some understanding of a student's measures to evaluate questions regarding abilities. But these tests must make cer- the test's usefulness and should determine tain that all detrimental influences and whether the test can be revised to benefit any hint of bias are removed. Only then student interests. do these types of test serve a productive By the time they reach their junior year purpose. of high school, Michigan students are well The state must address aspects of the acquainted with the MEAP test. Students MEAP test to make it advantageous to st take MEAP tests in the fourth, fifth, sev- dents. Most importantly, there must beA enth, and eighth grades before they attend clear reason for students to take the test. high school. The I11th grade exam, for- The SAT and ACT are already the tests of merly known as the High School choice when universities consider applica- Proficiency Test, has a troubled recent his- tions from prospective students. tory. Last year, a large number of students Employers are not inclined to look at the in three separate districts received exemp- results of the MEAP test when considering tions from their parents. In response, the a student's job application. That the MEAP state initiated a large revision last year that is a free, school-provided test is an advan- removed unpopular sections from the test. tage that the state should explore. Perhaps the state did not do enough to Reformatting the test to provide students improve the test, given the most recent with a supplement for the SAT or A numbers of exemptions. would give students an incentive to take Standardized tests like the MEAP bring the test. Of course, this test should be vol- with them certain dangers. These tests are untary, along the lines of the PSAT (the a necessary evil of the educational system. optional warm-up test for the SAT), and The questionable reputation of standard- could perhaps include opportunities for ized tests stems from a number of flaws students to earn scholarships for their fur- exposed over the years that make the tests ther education. A test of higher stature unfair towards some students. A well- than the current MEAP might also draw known problem with tests of this type is the attention of employers, giving students that they often demonstrate a cultural bias a further advantage. that impairs the performance of some stu- Standardized tests are meant to serve dents. Another fact often lost in test results student interests and provide an accurate is that tests such as the MEAP only pro- reading of academic skills. In its current vide a very general representation of a stu- form, the MEAP test does not possess the dent's abilities. Standardized tests may qualities necessary to benefit students..