Affirmative action reaction

Tensions are high in Michigan over a federal case that will determine whether an anti-affirmative action measure known as the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative will remain on that state’s November ballot. The MCRI would prohibit the use of race and gender preferences in university admissions and public hiring and contracting. A group opposing the measure, which calls itself By Any Means Necessary, claims that the MCRI’s proponents fraudulently obtained petition signatures by telling African-Americans and others that it would protect affirmative action. Proponents deny the allegation and say that it would demean democracy to remove the issue from the ballot. The judge says he will make a decision in short order to allow for the correct printing of election ballots.