The potential lawsuit that would challenge the University's affirmative action policies has sparked reactions from some top state government officials.
The four state representatives organizing the potential lawsuit allege unconstitutional discrimination in the University's admissions and financial aid programs.
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Conrad Mallett Jr., who said he may hear the case if it is filed on the state level, said he supports affirmative action.
"I am a product of a system that has had affirmative action," said Mallet, Michigan's first black chief justice, in an interview with The Michigan Daily. "I have not been shy about admitting my benefits from this system."
Mallet said that because the lawsuit could potentially come to his court, he cannot comment on the specific case.
State Rep. David Jaye (R-Macomb), one of the four legislators leading the fight against affirmative action at the University, contends that the University's affirmative action policies demonstrate blatant discrimination against non-minority students in an effort to increase diversity.
"The only preference Michigan should give is to taxpaying citizens," Jaye said. "It's the University of Michigan, not the University of the United Nations."
Curtis Hertel (D-Detroit), speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, said the legislators' attacks on affirmative action are a publicity stunt for the lawmakers who want to seek higher office. Jaye, for example, is running for the state Senate seat left vacant by the death of Doug Carl.
"It's simply grandstanding," Hertel said. "The members have decided to use this as a platform for their campaigns."
Hertel suggested that the legislators look into other ways of voicing their opinions against affirmative action.
"There are a lot of other avenues for them to take," Hertel said. "They could bring up their concerns at proper House committee and caucus meetings."
Affirmative action, Hertel said, is necessary at a time when minorities still do not receive equal opportunities.
"We don't live in a perfect society and there are individuals who need assistance," Hertel said.
Officials in Gov. John Engler's office said Engler does not yet have a comment on the potential lawsuit.
Jaye said he hopes to file the lawsuit sometime this fall, and the legislators are working with the Center for Individual Rights, the law firm that won the groundbreaking Hopwood case, which challenged affirmative action policies at the University of Texas school of law.
University President Lee Bollinger said the University's admissions policies are being reviewed this year as they are every year.
Jaye said he does not think the annual review will change the affirmative action system.
"A new shade of lipstick does not make a prostitute a virtuous woman," Jaye said. "We will not settle for anything less than merit-based admissions."
Jaye said more than 400 people have contacted him and the other legislators with complaints about the University's affirmative action policies.
Jaye, along with Reps. Greg Kaza (R-Rochester Hills), Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau) and Deborah Whyman (R-Canton), will hold a public hearing on the University's affirmative action initiatives at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, in Shelby Township's city hall.
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