For Immediate Release:
September 5, 2013
For More Information:
Thomas Costello,
tcostello@miroundtable.org
313-268-5828
Michigan Roundtable releases report examining impact of anti-affirmative
action ballot proposal passed in 2006
Michigan has seen mixed results in the aftermath of Proposal 2, the 2006 ballot proposal that eliminated
affirmative action at state universities and state and local government, with some organizations
continuing to see diversity in enrollment and employment and others seeing sharp drops, according to a
new report prepared for the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion.
The report can be viewed here: www.miroundtable.org/affirmactiondenied.htm
Of high concern, however, is the lack of information being maintained by many organizations, an
indication of a lack of concern about having government institutions be inclusive – or a desire to hide
the lack of diversity from the public.
“The lack of data in many areas indicates a willful avoidance of a data driven government,” said Tom
Costello, president and CEO of the Michigan Roundtable. “It also puts the onus on the individual to
prove discrimination, and allows governmental institutions to turn a blind eye to their internal practices
that are often the reason for a lack of diversity.“
Data Driven Detroit provided data for analysis in this report. The organization’s Director Kurt Metzger
also noted the need for improved data collection.
“While there is disagreement as to who should get credit for the quote, ‘what gets measured gets done,’
there is no doubt that coordinated efforts to improve outcomes require accurate and available
measures,” said Metzger. “True data-driven decision-making requires a willingness to share information.
Numbers are not value-based in that they are good or bad, they are just numbers. How can you know
where you are going if you don't know your starting point? If we truly value diversity and equality, we
must insist that our institutions collect and publish the information that will let us understand where we
stand and what needs to be done to get us to the outcomes we desire.”
“This isn’t a numbers game,” Costello added. “It’s been proven repeatedly that organizations without
diversity are not as efficient at delivering services to the constituencies they are supposed to be serving.
That’s why private industry around the state and nation value diversity and practice affirmative action in
ways that ensure true equal opportunity and the delivery of the goods and services the public
demands.”
The report looked at university enrollment, state and local government hiring and contracting by state
and local governments, seeking to compare minority participation in those areas prior to the passage of
Proposal 2 and in subsequent years.
It found:
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Little slippage in some areas: Undergraduate enrollment and minority employment in many
departments remains at pre-Proposal 2 levels in many cases, largely a result of expanded
outreach efforts.
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Major reductions in minority participation in some areas: In some state agencies and operations,
minority hiring seems to have almost vanished – starting with Gov. Rick Snyder’s office, where
there are only six women and no people of color serving as of June 2013 – a major reduction
since 2008.
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There was also a major reduction in minority enrollment in public university law and medical
schools, a major public policy concern going forward since few white doctors choose to serve
minority communities.
In Michigan’s three major medical schools – University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan State
University and Wayne State University – trend lines for medical students shows a steep decline in
minority enrollment with these universities enrolling 5 percent fewer African Americans, 3 percent
fewer Latinos, and 28 percent lower enrollment of all minority students from 2006 to 2011.
“The release of this information is intended to spur a discussion about how the state will recognize and
develop policies aimed at overcoming the discrimination that is too prevalent in Michigan,” said
Costello.
For additional information contact:
Thomas Costello
President & CEO
313-268-5828 tcostello@miroundtable.org
Steve Spreitzer
Director of Programs
313-870-1500 sspreitzer@miroundtable.org
The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion has been a not-for-profit human rights organization located in
Detroit working to overcome discrimination and racism by crossing racial, religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries.
We bring together community leaders from government, law enforcement, education, faith, grass roots
organizations and business to understand different points of view and then take action to overcome structural
impediments to inclusion and equity. Our programs are recognized by national organizations for bringing about
sustainable change. Our mission is: “serving as a catalyst for change, we develop, organize, and empower
individuals and communities to advance equity and opportunity for all.” We have a vision of opportunity for all.