Ms. Coleman Looks to Undermine the Law

On Tuesday, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which bans affirmative action programs at a state level. Yesterday, University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman gave this address in response. The following statement sums up Ms. Coleman's attitude in her speech:

I believe there are serious questions as to whether this initiative is lawful, particularly as it pertains to higher education. I have asked our attorneys for their full and undivided support in defending diversity at the University of Michigan. I will immediately begin exploring legal action concerning this initiative. But we will not limit our drive for diversity to the courts, because our conviction extends well beyond the legal landscape.

In case Ms. Coleman has forgotten, she is an employee of the state government of Michigan. It the role of state government employees to implement the state constitution (of which Proposal 2 is now part) and state laws. Ms. Coleman is clearly looking for a loophole around the law, and that is not appropriate behavior for her as a public official. She is entitled to her personal opinions, but she is expressing, as official University policy, statements contrary to the law.

I hope that the Regents of the University of Michigan remind Ms. Coleman that she is a public servant, and that she is welcome to go work somewhere else.