January 13, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Glenn Landstrom
Phone: (517) 643-5514
E-mail: glandstrom[at]xivfoundation[dot]org

 

SCOTUS Set to Rule on Affirmative Action in Michigan
Gratz Available for Comment When Ruling Released

WHAT: The US Supreme Court is scheduled to start releasing decisions Tuesday, January 14, for cases heard in 2013. Last year, on October 15, the Court considered the constitutionality of Michigan’s ban on race- and gender-based affirmative action policies in oral arguments for Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action. This decision will have profound implications for the future of affirmative action, and is one of the most anticipated rulings of the year.

Jennifer Gratz, CEO of the XIV Foundation and the woman who spearheaded Michigan’s ban, will be available for comment when the Schuette opinion is released. Opinions are also scheduled to be released on Wednesday this week, but may be released as late as June. The XIV Foundation is monitoring this case and will keep you updated on any developments.

MORE ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT CASE:

In November 2006 the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI) passed overwhelmingly with 58% of the vote. This initiative amended the state constitution to require equal treatment in public employment, public education and public contracting. Seven other states have similar measures. The amendment’s opponents, led by the radical group By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), immediately filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.

In 2012 the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the initiative, ruling that ending government quotas, set-asides, or race- and gender-based affirmative action programs violates the Equal Protection Clause. On October 15, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court heard an appeal filed by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. This case will determine whether citizens have the right to end race- and gender-based affirmative action policies.

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Jennifer Gratz challenged racial discrimination in the admissions policy at the University of Michigan and won at the U.S. Supreme Court (Gratz v. Bollinger). She spearheaded the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative and is the co-founder and CEO of the XIV Foundation.