Resolution Calling on Judge Patrick Duggan to Delay the Undergraduate
Affirmative Action Trial and to Hold Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sponsors: Jessica Curtin and Erika
Dowdell
Date introduced: November 5, 2000
Whereas, Patrick Duggan, the judge in the undergraduate affirmative action case, has reversed his earlier decision to delay the undergraduate trial and has announced that he plans to begin trial in early December in Detroit.
Whereas, the outcome of the two affirmative action cases against the University of Michigan undergraduate and Law Schools will profoundly affect the future opportunities of black, Latino, other minority and women students. These cases will determine the future of integration in higher education. They are our generation's version of Brown vs. the Board of Education.
Whereas, the students who will be most affected by the outcome of this case must have the opportunity to participate in and witness these historic proceedings.
Whereas, the decision by Judge Duggan to hold the trial in Detroit, in between the winter and Thanksgiving holidays, and during final exam time, makes it extremely difficult for students to have access to the trial. This decision by Judge Duggan conveys a lack of seriousness about the futures of black, Latino, other minority and women students and a lack of concern for the ability of students to participate in and witness the proceedings.
Whereas, the sudden change in the trial schedule deprives the parties to the case adequate time to finish preparing their cases.
Whereas, in a democratic society, courts must be accessible to and accountable to the people they are charged with serving.
Whereas, in order for the court to maintain any semblance of credibility or justice when adjudicating this critical issue, the needs and interests of minority and women students and their legal counsel can not be sidelined.
Therefore be it resolved, the Michigan Student Assembly calls on Judge Duggan to hold the undergraduate trial after the winter vacation and in Ann Arbor, to give the parties to the case adequate preparation time and to enable students to participate in and observe these historic proceedings.
Therefore be it resolved, MSA president Hideki Tsutsumi and Vice-President Jim Secreto will send this resolution and an accompanying letter to Judge Duggan expressing the views of the Michigan Student Assembly on this matter.
Therefore be it resolved, MSA signs on to the joint declaration of student organizations calling on Judge Duggan to delay the trial and to hold court in Ann Arbor.
Passed by consent.