Gender identity, expression included in UofM anti-discrimination policy
ANN ARBOR–The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the inclusion of gender identity and expression in its anti-discrimination policy. The vote took place on Sept. 20. "I supported this (the bylaw change) because it was the right thing to do," said UofM Regent Julia Donovan-Darlow. "This issue was clear to me from the beginning."
"What I found meaningful at the meeting was the number of students and academic people there to speak in favor of the resolution. It was a pretty wonderful atmosphere," she continued. "I think there was sense of something important happening, of something really good happening. Those of us who supported this measure felt great about it." Regents Andrew Richner (R-Grosse Pointe Park) and Andrea Fischer Newman (R-Ann Arbor) voted against the bylaw change. The following Michigan colleges and universities include protections for transgender individuals in their organizational bylaws: Eastern Michigan University; Michigan State University; University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint); Western Michigan University; Delta College; Kalamazoo College; Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Olivet College.
LANSING–Michigan Equality has announced the launch of a new look for their Web site. The Web site will feature legislative analysis, political commentary and policy education. "It is our goal and in fact our pledge to the LGBT community to focus the attention of Michigan decision makers toward equality for all citizens of this state," says Derek Smiertka, executive director of Michigan Equality. "Our user friendly website will aid our mission to educate and influence for LGBT Equality." The new website will feature the "Michigan Census Snapshot". The report reviews same-sex couples in Michigan through data from the U.S. Census Bureau to provide demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in the state. The web site can be viewed at Michiganequality.org.
EAST LANSING–David Holthouse an investigator for the Southern Poverty Law Center has spent the last week in East Lansing preparing a story about Young Americans for Freedom, Michigan State University. The SPLC listed the student group as a hate group in April. It was the first university sponsored and recognized hate group the SPLC was aware of. The SPLC prints a quarterly news magazine called the Intelligence Report which is mailed to 50,000 law enforcement personnel. Holthouse's article is expected to appear in that magazine.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP– The AFL-CIO has endorsed 9th District Candidate Gary Peters (D- Bloomfield Township) for Congress in 2008 because he has been a champion for working families and will fight for fair trade deals that protect Michigan jobs. The AFL-CIO's endorsement of Peters announced this week is the earliest the organization has made for a congressional candidate – more than a year before the 2008 election. Peters has come under fire by students lead by Dennis Lennox II of Central Michigan University's Young Americans for Freedom chapter. Lennox and his group are targeting Peters because he is running a partisian race while hold a position teaching students about politics. The University has moved forward with Peters in the position, in spite of the criticisms and complaints from students.
LANSING– Michigan Equality is seeking a full time development director. Applications for the position are due by October 12, 2007. For more information, contact Michigan Equality at (517) 484 5120.
