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www.michigan.gov (To Print: use your browser's print function) Release Date: November 09, 2006 Last Update: November 09, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE No. 2006-7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN MICHIGAN WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor; WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 each principal department of state government is under the supervision of the Governor unless otherwise provided by the Constitution; WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 the Governor is responsible to take care that the laws be faithfully executed; WHEREAS, under Section 29 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 the Michigan Civil Rights Commission is obligated to investigate alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color, or national origin in the enjoyment of the civil rights guaranteed by law and by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and to secure the equal protection of those rights without discrimination; WHEREAS, on November 7, 2006, a majority of electors adopted Proposal 06-02, a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to prohibit government programs that grant preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin for public employment, education or contracting purposes; WHEREAS, the adoption of Proposal 06-02 may impact the programs and activities of numerous state departments, agencies, authorities, and educational institutions; WHEREAS, the continued promotion of diversity in Michigan is a vital component in the state's educational efforts and an important aspect of Michigan's economic development efforts; WHEREAS, Michigan's educational and business communities have communicated that in order to compete globally, Michigan's workforce must be diverse and experienced in interacting with men and women from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds; NOW, THEREFORE, I, JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, direct the following: 1. Within 14 days, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission will begin to investigate the impact of the adoption of Proposal 06-02. The investigation shall include, but is not limited to, the review and identification of all of the following: a. Existing state laws and regulations relating to contracting, employment, diversity, and equal protection efforts that may be affected by the adoption of Proposal 06-02. b. The impact of the adoption of Proposal 06-02 upon state educational institutions and educational programs. c. The impact of the adoption of Proposal 06-02 upon state economic development efforts and the ability of the State of Michigan to compete within the global economy. 2. Within 90 days, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission shall issue a report detailing its findings and offer recommendations on how affected public institutions may continue to promote diversity and equal protection in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting within any constraints imposed by Proposal 06-02. In the report, the Commission shall identify any state laws relating to the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting that may be affected by the adoption of Proposal 06-02. The Commission also shall propose legislative changes necessary to serve the purpose of promoting diversity in Michigan to the fullest extent possible, while complying with any restrictions imposed by Proposal 06-02. 3. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission shall work cooperatively with, and engage the assistance of state departments, agencies, authorities, and institutions when implementing this Directive. 4. State departments, agencies, authorities, and institutions subject to the Governor's supervision under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 shall cooperate with and actively participate in the Michigan Civil Rights Commission's investigation of the effects of Proposal 06-02 as provided under this Directive. 5. Other governmental entities within the State of Michigan not subject to the supervision of the Governor under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, are urged to cooperate with and actively participate in the Michigan Civil Rights Commission's investigation of the effects of Proposal 06-02. This Directive is effective upon filing. Given under my hand this 9th day of November in the year of our Lord, two thousand and six. ____________________________________ JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM GOVERNOR