Bill proposed to eliminate affirmative action hiring

As the debate over affirmative action policies in Michigan continues, state Rep. Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau) has proposed a bill that would revamp affirmative action policies in hiring, firing and promotions.

House Bill 4457 would require that all changes in state hiring policies be approved by Michigan's Civil Rights Commission.

"Under the bill, if a university or other state employer has a voluntary affirmative action policy, it would need to be approved by the commission," said Jim Murray, McManus's legislative aide. "Some of the plans are so old that they do not meet curThe bill is one of many being proposed by McManus that attempt to abolish affirmative action and minority preferences in Michigan. Most of her bills were referred to the Constitutional and Civil Rights committee, which is chaired by Rep. Ed Vaughn ( "She has introduced many bills that are anti-human family," Vaughn said. "We will just have to see if those bills will be brought up for a hearing."

It is the decision of the chair whether or not a bill receives a committee hearing. Vaughn said he is against the bills and thinks affirmative action programs need to be stronger in the state. If a bill is denied a hearing, the sponsor can bring the bill to a vote on the House floor.

"I am a strong supporter of affirmative action," Vaughn said. "Affirmative action is too little, too late."

Under the bill, affirmative action programs would have to be examined by the commission every five years.

Rep. David Jaye (R-Macomb), a co-sponsor of the bill, said McManus's bill is a step in the right direction.

"Her bill keeps out the affirmative action thieves for five years," Jaye said. "Putting a time limit on minority preferences is a good start."

Jaye, who has long been an advocate of eliminating affirmative action, previously proposed unsuccessful legislation in the state House that would completely terminate any affirmative action initiatives.

"I support Rep. McManus's legislation because having half a loaf of bread is better than not having any bread," Jaye said. "But I would want to completely and immediately eliminate minority preferences."

Rep. Laura Baird (D-Okemos), a member of the Constitutional and Civil Rights committee, said constitutional interpretation is a matter best left to the judicial system.

"The Civil Rights Commission is a function of the executive branch," Baird said. "It really should be left to the courts."

McManus and Jaye, along with state Reps. Greg Kaza (R-Rochester Hills) and Deborah Whyman (R-Canton), are attempting to organize a class action lawsuit against the University that challenges its affirmative action policies in admissions and financial aid.

"My message to these U of M bureaucrats is that your time is up," Jaye said. "It's only a matter of time that minority preferences are moved to the dustbin of history."

Vaughn, however, said affirmative action programs at the University should be increased, not decreased.

"What ethnic groups have gotten out of the U of M is very little," Vaughn said. "They're grandstanding in order to get votes. They're all seeking higher office because of their term limits. Kaza and Jaye and these other clowns don't want to talk about the real problem, which is poverty."

Vaughn said the reason that qualified in-state, non-minority students are not admitted is that the University admits a large amount of students from other states.

"Let's cut down on the out-of-state student population," Vaughn said.

09-16-97