Elections Panel Approves Affirmative Action Proposal
The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060120/UPDATE/601200424/1003
By TIM MARTIN / Associated Press
January 20, 2006
LANSING -- A state elections board on Friday adopted ballot wording for a proposal that would ban some affirmative action programs in Michigan.
The Board of State Canvassers voted 3-0 to approve ballot language suggested by state elections director Chris Thomas. It states the proposal would ban affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin.
The proposal affects government employment and contracting and education programs, including university admissions.
Opponents of the ballot proposal said Friday that they will file a motion in the Michigan Court of Appeals challenging whether the words "preferential treatment" should appear on the ballot.
Opponents also are contesting an appeals court order that the proposal should go to voters. A group called By Any Means Necessary claims some of the voter signatures gathered to place the proposal on the ballot were gained through trickery.
The group says some voters thought they were signing petitions that would protect civil rights or affirmative action programs.
The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative denies any wrongdoing and says its campaign has set a standard for compliance with state law.
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