It’s a new year, filled with new opportunities to continue the fight for equal treatment for every individual regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or skin color.

 

This coming Monday, the US Supreme Court is schedule to start releasing decisions on cases heard in 2013. Last October, the Court heard oral arguments in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action on the constitutionality of Michigan’s voter-approved ban on race and gender preference policies in state institutions.

 

Schuette is one of the most anticipated cases of the year, and will have profound implications for future efforts to roll back discriminatory policies across the nation.

 

I’m optimistic about the outcome. When our opponents presented their arguments before the Court, they absurdly insisted that equal treatment violates the Equal Protection Clause and that the 14th Amendment applies only to Americans of some ethnic backgrounds and not to every American.

 

No amount of mental gymnastics can square such contorted thinking with honest legal precedent, and I believe our opponents left the justices with no alternative but to uphold the will of the people in Michigan.

 

We are keeping a close eye on this case and will keep you informed as soon as there are any new developments.

 

The XIV Foundation is gearing up for an exciting year, and we are grateful for your continued support!

- Jennifer Gratz, CEO