Proposal 2 and MSUE

1. Proposal 2 and MSUE Continuing our organizational commitment to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism

2. Message from President Simon “At MSU we are crystal clear about the principles by which we will continue to move forward. Neither I, nor the Board of Trustees, nor the other leaders of this university will allow the passage of Proposal 2 to erode our active commitment to our core value of inclusion. …In fulfilling our mission as a land-grant institution, MSU has historically served a diverse population and will continue to do so. Michigan State University remains committed to our values, foremost among which are quality, connectivity and inclusiveness. These values will continue to guide our work as we advance knowledge and transform lives, building a better region, state, nation and world.”

3. Message from Director Coon “Life in Michigan is enriched by the diversity of our cultural heritage. Ours is a dynamic and vibrant society. MSU Extension has a core commitment to serve the needs of all Michigan residents. We ensure our programs are open to all and are responsive to the needs of all of Michigan’s communities. We remain committed to having a work force that reflects Michigan’s diversity and leverages that diversity for greater program impact.”

4. Message from USDA/CSREES/EOS “Michigan Extension should continue to seek reasonable ways to achieve the objectives of inclusion and anti-discrimination without specific reliance on race, ethnicity, or gender.  It should be noted that equal opportunity and civil rights are of great importance, and avoidance of discrimination should be Extension’s daily, regular, constant practice.  Extension as a recipient of Federal monies is required to ensure equal access to its programs under merit principle, and Extension workers are required to support affirmative action measures that promote equal access to its educational programs, including opportunities in employment. ” Curt Deville, Director Equal Opportunity Staff

5. Proposal 2 Legislation Highlights Article I, Section 26: • The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and any other public college or university, community college or school district shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or nation origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. • The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. • This section does not prohibit action that must be taken to establish or maintain eligibility for any federal program, if ineligibility would result in a loss of federal funds to the state.

6. Proposal 2 Legislation Highlights • Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as prohibiting bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary to the normal operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. • The remedies available for violations of this section shall be the same, regardless of the injured party’s race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, as are otherwise available for violations of Michigan anti-discrimination law. • This section is self-executing. If any parts of this section are found to be in conflict with the United States Constitution or federal law, the section shall be implemented to the maximum extent that the United States Constitution and federal law permit. Any provision held invalid shall be severable from the remaining portions of this section. • This section applies only to action taken after the effective date of this section (December 23, 2006).

7. What Constitutes “Preferential Treatment”* • An individual is granted preferential treatment when he or she is favored over another person or is given a priority or advantage over another person based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. • Providing individuals or groups an advantage, priority, or privilege not available to others based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. • Making distinctions in treatment – either showing partiality or prejudice – based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. * yet to be tested in MI courts

8. Implications - Overall • MSUE continues to have goals which support inclusion and a continuing commitment to diversity and multiculturalism • MSUE will continue to articulate a commitment to inclusion in employment, programming and outreach • MSUE and MSUE staff will are accountable for providing civil rights data to our federal partners related to diversity of participants, outreach and employees

9. Implications - Overall • MSUE communications that include our Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity statement has been updated to reflect MSU/MSUE as an Affirmative Action employer not institution. • Does not impact our relationships/partnerships with Tribal Communities because: - Tribal communities are federally recognized entities - These relationships are considered government to government relationships and not race based - The U.S. government has a fiduciary responsibility to tribal communities based on treaty, constitutional and supreme court law • Federal guidelines supersede state regulations in most cases

10. Implications - Employment • MSUE can not do “targeted” searches that discriminate against equal access to employment opportunities for all candidates i.e., advertising and hiring for a women or person of color only for a specific position • MSUE will continue to do targeted advertising and networking in to ensure diversity in candidate pools • MSUE is committed to educating all partners of our commitment to diversity in our hiring and selection processes • MSUE will include characteristics related to diversity as part of the qualifications or desired qualifications for a prospective employee/position • i.e., bilingual/bicultural skills desired or preferred, demonstrated ability working with tribal communities, etc.

11. Implications - Programming • MSUE will continue our commitment to programming to diverse audiences • MSUE will develop and continue programming efforts tailored to the unique needs of specific audiences, however, these programs need to remain “open to all” • Program content specific to the needs of a particular audience is still acceptable as long as the program remains “open to all” and information provided to participants indicates that there will be a specific focus relative to the needs/issues of the targeted population • MSUE maintains a commitment to uphold Civil Rights responsibilities as it relates to providing equal access to programs, resources and employment opportunities

12. Implications – Outreach, Research, Partnerships • MSUE will continue to support and seek out partnerships with diverse community members • MSUE will continue to make intentional efforts to meet with and/or partner with diverse community members looking to integrate them into existing efforts and/or provide tailored processes/programs as long as these efforts support inclusion of all community members • MSUE staff are encouraged to seek out federal or private grants or other funding opportunities which may allow the subject of research to be narrowly defined to a specific group based on race, gender, color ethnicity or national origin • At this time, it appears that Proposal 2 legislation does not cover issues related to research or the subject of research

13. For more information • Visit the MSU Proposal 2 website at www.president.msu.edu/prop2response • Contact ANR Human Resources at 517- 353-9108 • Contact the MSUE Diversity and Personnel Specialist at 517-432-2666 • Contact the MSU Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives at 517-353-3924