BAMN sets date for next Day of Action

Using last year's aggressive defense of the University's affirmative action programs as a springboard, the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) plans to elevate their activism on campus this year.

In a forum last night at the Michigan League, about 50 people gathered to learn about the fight BAMN led last year to save affirmative action at the University and how they intend to develop it.

BAMN has been defending the University's use of affirmative action since three white applicants filed suit against the University last fall, alleging that use of race as a factor in the admissions practices constitutes discrimination.

While most student groups are in the process of making initial plans and acquainting themselves with new members, BAMN has already constructed plans for a two-day professor and student strike in support of affirmative action.

The strike, conceptualized by professors in California, is scheduled to take place on Oct. 21 and 22.

Jessica Curtin, a BAMN leader, said she believes the strike is one way to continue the success the group had in February with their National Day of Action, when hundreds of students chose not to attend class in support of affirmative action.

"The students at U-M really blazed the trail when we had our one-day strike," Curtin said. "We were the only University in the country to pull off a movement like that, at the time."

This year, Curtin said, she believes the movement will escalate to an even higher level.

"We predict this year will be the beginning of a new national civil rights movement," Curtin said.

One of the speakers at the forum was LSA first-year student Erika Dowdell.

Although Dowdell is new to campus, her opinions on affirmative action are shared by many students.

"Affirmative action determines the rest what my life will be like," Dowdell said. "It's really important to stand up for ourselves and not rely on the University."

Also speaking was Shanta Driver, a national coordinator for BAMN.

"Last year was our first shot at making the fight national action," Driver said. "This year at this university, we have the chance to continue leading the nation forward in this fight."

LSA sophomore Aimee Bingham said she plans to participate in the two-day strike because she believes it will help spread the movement to other students.

"The strike gives the movement more publicity," Bingham said.

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