6 - The Michigan Daily - Orientation Edition 2004 MCRI Gratz speaks for MCRI. amidst massive protest February 13, 2004 By Alison Go and Kristen Przybylski Daily Staff Reporters With more than 50 protesters and tight security detail outside the Michigan Union Pond Room, Jennifer Gratz voiced her support for a statewide ban on affirmative action policies last night. The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative looks to include an initiative that would ban race-con- scious government policies, such as public uni- versity admissions, on this November's ballot. Gratz, one of the plaintiffs in the University's admissions lawsuits last year and the executive director of the MCRI, hosted her first public pres- entation at the University since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision was handed down. Gratz sued the University in December 1997, challenging the undergraduate point system that automatically granted 20 points to Hispan- ics, blacks and Native Americans. The court upheld the Law School's policy of using race as a factor in admissions. The University retracted its admissions policies last fall, eliminating the point system and imple- menting a more intensive application process. Although the College Republicans, who brought Gratz to campus, are bound to party lines and do not officially endorse the MCRI, Gratz spoke extensively on how members of the Uni- versity could support the initiative. "You could decide to endorse the MCRI as a campus group, you could decide to endorse the MCRI as an individual (or) you could decide to collect signatures," Gratz said. "The hard part is getting this on the ballot. Once we get this on the ballot, I think we have a great chance of getting it passed." Outside, protesters chanted and harassed members of the College Republicans, before and during Gratz's presentation. Undeterred, Gratz acknowledged the role and determina- tion of the demonstrators. Welcome to campus Count on us throughout your college career for everything you need for school and campus life, including new and used textbooks, class and dorm supplies, insignia clothing, and much more. Pierpont Commons Bookstore Pierpont Commons (North Campus) (734) 668-6022 Michigan Union Bookstore 530 S. State Street phone# 734.995.8877 email: bksumichiganunion@bncollege.com www.umichigan.bkstore.com 0 Members of BAMN protest last night outside the Michigan Union Pond Room where Jennifer Gratz spoke. University Department of Public Safety officers guarded the area. MCRI to focus on '06 ballot * June 1, 2004 By Aymar Jean Daily Staff Reporter Following months of organizational and legal challenges, the petition drive to end race-con- scious programs in Michigan has again reiterat- ed its intention to halt this year's campaign. Yesterday, state Rep. Leon Drolet (R-Clinton Township), who co-chairs the campaign, announced that the Michigan Civil Rights Initia- tive intends to focus its efforts on getting its pro- posed amendment to the state constitution on the ballot for 2006 instead of this year. "The intent now is to qualify for the '06 bal- lot," Drolet told the Associated Press. His statements follow a recent rift in MCRI's organization, where a number of members left the formal campaign over this very issue: whether the organization should temporarily halt the current campaign, which strives to eliminate the use of race, ethnicity and gender in public education and employment. Drolet's decision to announce the initiative's new focus resulted, in part, from the illness of Ward Connerly, who is the main proponent and financial backer of MCRI. This is not the first time MCRI officials have made this claim. Former treasurer Leonard Schwarz stated last month that the campaign would be a "waste of time and money" and declared it "suspended." Around the same time, Drolet announced it was "dead in the water." In the midst of the organizational disunity, MCRI has faced considerable legal challenges. Months ago, opposition groups - primarily BAMN and also Citizens for a United Michigan - filed lawsuits against the campaign because they claimed its petition form was misleading. MCRI, they argued, is attempting to alter an existing provision in the state constitution guar- anteeing equal protection but not informing signers of the petition. The court case still resides in the state Court of Appeals. Oral arguments are scheduled for June 8, MCRI Director of Outreach Chetly Zarko said. The decision could come down days afterward. With a deadline of 317,757 signatures due by July 6 - and, according to MCRI esti- mates, 425,000 signatures by June 15 - the initiative faces considerable difficulty in achieving its goal. But, despite statements by at least four of sen-@ ior MCRI officials and the alleged illness of Connerly, Zarko said the campaign will press forward, hoping to make the deadline for the November ballot this year. "It's doable," he said. "We're waiting for the court decision before we make a formal decision either way." Thecampaign currently has a raw count of about 20,000 to 40,000 signatures collected by volunteer circulators. A paid circulator effort S began last week, slightly behind schedule because of the numerous legal delays, and is expected to collect the necessary signatures to complete the initiative.