MSA to debate affirmative action

The Michigan Student Assembly plans to take a stand on one of the University's most controversial issues - affirmative action - at tonight's meeting.

Three resolutions pertaining to affirmative action are scheduled for debate, including a proposed ballot question about student opinion on affirmative action for the spring MSA elections.

MSA members also are scheduled to vote to support or oppose the current University admissions policy and discuss whether race should be a factor in choosing student athletes.

MSA President Mike Nagrant said he is expecting a bigger student turnout than usual at tonight's meeting.

"It's always good for constituents to express their opinions," said Nagrant, an LSA senior. "It helps make (representatives) make a better decision in (the students') favor."

MSA Vice President Olga Savic said she's pleased that more students may take an active role in tonight's meeting. It will become apparent to students which representatives are willing to take a stand on affirmative action, she said.

"It's important to have constituents at meetings," Savic said. "It allows them to see people's real feelings about issues."

Engineering Rep. Dave Burden said it's very important for students to come to the meeting.

"I'd like to see a lot of people turn out," Burden said. "It's important if we have both sides of the issue represented."

Burden proposed the resolution on the ballot question asking if race should be taken into account in admissions policies. He said it's important for student views to be represented on such an issue.

"I think students should decide it directly," Burden said.

11-04-97