Viewpoint: In defense of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative
By Carl Cohen
September 30, 2004
The language of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative is unambiguous; its intent is unmistakable. The MCRI aims to eliminate all discrimination by race, including all preference by race. The words of the initiative, upon which we will vote in 2006, say that clearly and simply:
“The state” (i.e. Michigan, and all its colleges and universities) “shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.”
That is the whole of its substance. There is nothing in this sentence that is deceptive or misleading. It means exactly what it says in very plain English.