Resolution in Support of a Motion to Move the Undergraduate Affirmative Action Trial to Ann Arbor
Sponsored by: Law Representative Farah Mongeau, and Vice President Jim Secreto
Whereas, the trial of Jennifer Gratz, et al. vs. Lee Bollinger, et al. and Ebony Patterson et al., is scheduled this fall, in the U.S. District Court, in Detroit, Michigan, and its outcome has a direct impact on the students, faculty, staff and community of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Whereas, neither will an inconvenience be imposed, nor will the fair and just conduct of a trial be hampered in any way, by moving the trial to an Ann Arbor venue, as most witnesses are located either in or near Ann Arbor, or will be arriving via Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and the sole issue of the case involved is the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus. To the contrary, it is necessary to adhere to principles of fair play and substantial justice to allow opponents and supporters of the University of Michigan community to participate in the trial.
Whereas, Academics for Affirmative Action and Social Justice (AAASJ) have initiated a petition drive, with the assistance of other individuals and organizations on campus, to move the trial from Detroit to Ann Arbor.
Whereas, the Michigan Student Assembly, faculty, and staff, as well as the current and future students of the University of Michigan have a direct stake in the outcome of this trial. Furthermore, the administration of justice would be better served by moving the trial to the venue at issue.
Therefore, be it resolved, the Michigan Student Assembly advocates for a motion to move the trial from Detroit to Ann Arbor, and will support the petition drive initiated by AAASJ.
Therefore, be it further resolved, MSA authorizes the expenditure of $250 towards the purchase of publicity and reproducing the petition for purposes of moving the trial to Ann Arbor.
Be it finally resolved, the executive officers will write a letter to the presiding justice in the matter of Gratz v. Bollinger articulating MSA's desire to move the trial to Ann Arbor.
Passed by consent.