DETROIT, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The affirmative action debate hit the streets of Michigan in a petition drive to end use of race and gender in government hiring and university admissions.
The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative needs 318,000 signatures in six months to qualify its proposed constitutional amendment for the November ballot.
Opponents mounted a small but spirited demonstration outside the hotel where the campaign was launched and said they'll try to make sure the petition fails, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The campaign will be run by Jennifer Gratz, the 26-year-old plaintiff in one of two lawsuits against the University of Michigan on the use of race in admissions decisions.
The U.S. Supreme Court's split decision last summer to allow the limited use of racial preferences in university admissions prompted the ballot drive.
Backers of the proposal admitted they face long odds.
Supporters of affirmative action -- including business groups, labor, civic and religious organizations -- said they will actively discourage voters from signing petitions.
Even without opposition, gathering 2,200 signatures a day for six months is formidable for the best-organized campaigns, the Free Press noted.
