Proposal 2 passed in the state of Michigan on November 7, 2006, with 58 percent in favor and 42 percent voting against. The passing of Prop 2 does not surprise me, but it does disappoint me
tremendously.

Over the past few years I’ve seen leaders emerge from the University of Michigan community and beyond to fight this measure. We owe our thanks to everyone who put their time, heart, and soul into trying to stop Prop 2.

To you all, I remind you that your work will never be cancelled or distilled by this measure. You have served to heighten awareness among the unaware and provide fertile ground for the future battles that we will fight as we work to maintain civil and human rights.

While the nation applauds the Democrats taking the House and the Senate, I’ll be in mourning. It’s naive to think that all the “allies” we found in the fight against Prop 2 will be around now to comfort, walk with, and get ready for the next steps. They’ll be busy returning to their jobs saddened, but not disappointed. For me the mourning is realizing that the very reason that I am able to attend U of M is under attack again.

As a first generation college student and graduate of African-American descent, I was able to take advantage of programs such as the Rackham Merit Fellowship and the resources on campus targeted to people like me, who didn’t come from the best of circumstances. But when I look back down the pipeline, there will be fewer “me’s” coming in the door. Michigan voters have neatly shut the door behind them and many will continue on today with business as usual.

This past year, like years before, made me feel like electoral politics has failed me. The representation of “minority” issues in the electoral process rarely comes out in the minority group’s favor—no surprise, right? But I realized with Michigan’s battle of Proposal 2 that there is a silent tide that has been rising vis-a-vis the ballot proposal. While the highest courts in the land may rule in one way, the ballot proposal has become a tremendously dangerous tool to use local sentiment to contradict decisions by “activist” judges.”

Ballot initiatives mean the bullet for many civil and human rights, but they all happen relatively beneath the radar. In the weeks prior to the election, it was hard to count how many folks from around the country didn’t know that affirmative action was on the ballot here. First California, now Michigan, and I hear Wisconsin is in the cross-hairs next. Until we learn how to turn out state level populations that are willing to vote for equality, we will be seeing this tide for years to come. The state level initiatives are going to continue to creep in; be on the look out.

The passing of Proposal 2 theoretically would mean the ushering in of a California-like system. While to some this may seem alright, there are a couple of major differences between Michigan and California that make our state’s prospects worse. First, California’s racial demographics (majority minority—I know it’s an oxymoron) make it “easier” to talk about successes without affirmative action. Second, Michigan’s economy has been shrinking and will continue to do so. Third, California’s university system is way larger and more diverse than what Michigan has to offer.

To me, this means that we will fundamentally see a large drop in entering students of color—particularly Black students—because of the state’s composition. You will not see these students going to other state’s four-year institutions—in a best case scenario I’d say they will go to community college and other high cost urban schools will get flooded. You will see Michigan continue to be less competitive economically as the Black middle class flees to areas that consider their race in decision-making. Lastly, you’ll see Universities in particular do their best to maintain the representation of marginalized groups, but with at best marginal success.

This may serve as a wake up call to some, but I think if you’re not awake already, you may not be waking up. As the nation barrels ahead and waits for the “Democratic awakening,” please remember that for many of us, the party politics will not save us and in some ways, I’m not sure the ballot will either.

Dumi Eyi di yiye is also known as R. L’Heureux Lewis. He goes by both names, so pick whichever you like. When he’s not confusing readers with his name, he’s feverishly working on finishing his PhD at the University of Michigan in Sociology and Public Policy. You can find more of his writings and rantings at www.blackatmichigan.com.