Events Calendar

 

October 19
Lansing

 

 




October 22
Grosse Pointe

 

 



October 24
Detroit

Events Title: Affirmative Action: Pro & Con 

TIME:                7:00 - 8:30 pm

LOCATION:       Union Missionary Baptist Church
                         500 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
                         Lansing, MI
                         http://www.umbcwebsite.com

MODERATOR:   Bill Ballenger, Inside Michigan Politics



TIME:                12:30 - 2:00 pm

LOCATION:       Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church
                         17150 Maumee Ave.
                         Grosse Pointe, MI




TIME:                 5:30 - 7:00 pm

LOCATION:        Bernath Auditorium, Undergraduate Library
                          Wayne State University
                          Detroit, MI
                          Local Coverage: Affirmative action debate packs UGL at
                          WSU Click here to read more

COSPONSORS:  W.S.U. Black Law Student Association
                          W.S.U. College Republicans
                          Toward A Fair Michigan

 

 

All events are free and open to the public!

 Feedback from Past Debates:

May 12, 2006: "A Spirited Dicussion on Affirmative Action" Ypsilanti, MI (featuring Rev. Levon Yuille, TAFM Director)

April 29, 2006: "Affirmative Action: It's Debatable" MI Conservative Union, Livonia, MI

April 24, 2006: "Affirmative Action: What's the Debate About?" Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor

Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Herald Palladium 04-24-06

What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • I don't know that my thinking has changed but it has definitely broadened my understanding of why some people feel the way they do - also, interesting to discover that all panelists say their stand promotes equality. 
  • I think this was a very efficient way to educated the citizens of Michigan - since it was a debate, the audience was able to discern and formulate their own opinion on the situation - wish more people would come.
  • I learned about different sides of the affirmative action argument and it helped me to form and solidify an opinion.
  • Hearing both sides of the argument - getting a clear idea of exactly what I'm voting on.
  • The thoughtful way each side was presented - than you for modeling good discussion.
  • A spirited discussion by well-informed educators - very worthwhile.
  • I really enjoyed hearing both sides to the argument - we often rely on our own thoughts, but it is nice to hear others who agree and disagree - it helps to round out our own arguments.
  • Sound insights into differing opinions - stimulating. Q&A section.

April 04, 2006: "Affirmative Action: Pro & Con"  Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba, MI

Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Escanaba Daily Press 04-05-06

What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • Differing views in one forum.
  • Both speakers, coming from diverse backgrounds with different views, came together.
  • Before I was invited to this debate I knew nothing about affirmative action - thank you for opening my eyes - I will be looking more into this before November's election.
  • The question and answer discussion got people to get their questions answered about what they were thinking.
  • I was previously unaware of this subject and its importance - I have now gained insight and formed my own opinion.
  • Was just an eye-opener - never thought about this topic - well-delivered!

April 03, 2006: "Affirmative Action? It's Debatable"  Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI

What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • I think debate is a very healthy, helpful thing - furthermore, I think many people should be informed about the topic - I think this did just that.
  • The opportunity to listen to two African-Americans' opinions on the issue of affirmative action proved most valuable to me.
  • Interesting to hear a different perspective than the people I usually address the issue with.
  • That people are capable of civilized debate.
  • I liked that the panel was perfectly balanced and answered the questions respectfully and intellectually - there are many controversial questions surrounding the issue and they were all answered very clearly.
  • Taking the "politically incorrect" step of allowing public debate on the merits and harms of affirmative action (reverse discrimination) government programs - having a black man speak against affirmative action.
  • We had intelligent presenters who addressed this important issue without being overly emotional about this public question - both speakers gave very valuable background information - historical, political, etc.

March 29, 2006: "Affirmative Action/Racial Preferences: Should They Be Banned?" Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI. MI Bar Journal

TAFM's Board Chairman, William B. Allen, PhD, participated in the Griffin Policy Forum at Central Michigan University on March 29, 2006. A video of the event is available for viewing at: http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/griffin/Griffin%20Forum/Griffin%20Forum.htm#Video_Directions:

March 28, 2006: "Affirmative Action? It's Debatable" Sponsored by the Genesee County Republican Party, Flint, MI. Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Flint Journal

What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • It was a chance for educating the general public - facts were present to counter the "emotional debate" - data are always necessary to make an informed decision - not rhetoric.
  • The fair and equal exchange of ideas conducted in a serious atmosphere.
  • More civil rights issues need a public forum for discussion.
  • Hearing something locally on this topic.
  •  Strong arguments that are believable were presented on both sides. The views of people opposed. Additional information provided.

March 22, 2006: "Affirmative Action: Pro & Con?" Sponsored by the Eastern MI University (EMU) Center for Multicultural Affairs, EMU College Democrats, EMU College Republicans, and MI Black Republican Council, Ypsilanti, MI.
Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Echo Online

What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • Better understanding of how both sides feel about the issue and why they feel the way they do - very informative.
  • The expertise of the debaters.
  • The Q & A part of the program was helpful because it helped elaborate on the issues and ideas picked up.
  • Moderator was unbiased - personal attacks were limited - speakers both presented completely opposite and widely varied opinions.

March 15, 2006: "Should A Free Society Allow Affirmative Action Preferences?" Sponsored by the Northwood University College Republicans, Midland, MI.

http://www.ourmidland.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16316724&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=8

February 23, 2006: "Affirmative Action? It's Debatable," Sponsored by the Seidman College of Business, The College Republicans, the College Democrats, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, and the Office for Multicultural Affairs, Grand Rapids Campus, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

"Oliver Wilson, dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said the only way for students and community members to take a stance on the issue is to educate themselves and not listen to third-hand information." (from: "MCRI to be center of debate in GR" Grand Valley Lanthorn)

 What did you find most valuable about this program?

  • I never hear reasonable, intellectual debate on this subject, so this was refreshing. We hear so much repetition of non-arguments, and we desperately need discussions like tonight.
  • That both debators were exceptionally qualified and dramatically opposed, yet exceptionally polite.
  • It was wonderful to see two African Americans address this issue, as well as a male and a female. All discussions I had seen in the past were mostly between men, one white, and the other African American.
  • The warm and cordial debate, by two individuals of distinction and communication. It helped me to understand more fully both arguments.
  • Just getting the subject out there. I truly think this is a subject that needs to be acknowledged.
  • A civilized, fair dialogue representing each side of an issue, which is very important in our usually 'cutthroat' society.
  • The opportunity to hear a discussion on a sensitive topic in a non-threatening venue.
  • The simple educated debate about this decisive topic is splendid.

February 01, 2006: "Affirmative Action: Pro & Con," Sponsored by the College Republicans, College Democrats, and the Association of Black Students at Oakland University, Rochester, MI.

"I always though positively about affirmative action because I am minority," said junior Nebla Perez, adding that the event effectively described both sides of the issue. Junior LaTriana Eddington agreed with Perez that both sides were well represented." (from "Yea or Nay?" The Oakland Post, Feb. 9, 2006)  Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Oakland Post

What did you find most valuable about this program?

November 14, 2005: "Should A Free Society Allow Affirmative Action Preferences in Higher Education?"  A "Cicero's Podium Great Issues Debate" cosponsored with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) with generous support from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, http://www.isi.org/lectures/debate_series.aspx East Lansing, MI. Click here to read local media coverage of the debate: Spartan Sword

What did you find most valuable about this program?


September 15, 2005: "Affirmative Action Face-Off" hosted by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, 2005 Future Forum & Annual Meeting, Traverse City, MI http://www.michamber.com/ff/agenda2005.asp

     What did you find most valuable about this program?


August 10, 2005: "The Economics of Affirmative Action" hosted by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Lansing, MI

     What did you find most valuable about this program?

 

 

 

 

 

  

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