University of Michigan President: We’re Above the Law (Just Give Us Time to Figure Out How)

Despite the first sentence of the excerpt, I don’t know how else to interpret this from University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman (HT Powerline):

Of course the University of Michigan will comply with the laws of the state.

At the same time, I guarantee my complete and unyielding commitment to increasing diversity at our institution.

Let me say that again: I am fully and completely committed to building diversity at Michigan, and I will do whatever it takes.

….. Martin Luther King Jr. told us: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Let’s stand together to tell the state and the nation that the University of Michigan embraces … promotes … wants … and believes in diversity.

Let’s stand together to say we value all those on our campus who make this such a remarkable institution.

Let’s stand together to say: We are Michigan and we are diversity.

Ms. Coleman, there are a couple of problems:

1. The voters just passed the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI), requiring in no uncertain terms that you run your university based on merit, not diversity. Considerng that the initiative was opposed by anybody and everyone in the state’s liberal and conservative establishment, the 58-42 margin of victory is remarkable.
2. Martin Luther King has this as his most famous quote: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Please cut out the politically correct rhetoric and start carrying out the dream, Ms. Coleman. The voters have spoken. The discussion is over. Your job is to obey.

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UPDATE: More thoughts from Kate, as well as great comments are at Small Dead Animals (”the word ‘diversity’ appears 21 times”). Also Sigmund, Carl and Alfred calls Coleman’s diatribe a “Tribute To Academic Stupidity And Hubris.”
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Previous Posts:

• Sept. 27 — Best Column of This Past Sunday: George Will on Michigan’s Civil Rights Initiative
• Sept. 1 — Mob Rule in Michigan Requires Repudiation at the Polls
• Dec. 19, 2005 — A Rough Few Days for Civil Rights and Race Relations, with a Whiff of Sanity