And I thought that I was upset in November.

Further extending the blow brought by the adoption of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative in last fall’s elections, Monday the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) appointed state Rep. Leon Drolet to head the state’s advisory committee on civil rights.

Why does this make me upset?  Because Drolet led Ward Connerly’s campaign to end affirmative action in Michigan, and today his appointment, approved by President Bush, makes him the head of the committee for the next 2 years. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights denounced his nomination. 

“In a state with such a rich history of civil rights and union activism, it is most disappointing that the USCCR chose a representative with such a shallow civil rights resume.  By selecting a candidate with a one-issue civil rights platform at odds with every established civil rights organization, the U.S. Comission has all but erased its credibility as a proponent for civil rights.” 

The MCRI, with a name that was misleading to some voters, successfully banned affirmative action in state public education and employment when a majority of voters said “yes” to Proposal 2 last November. 

Once again, President Bush has succeeded in appointing another controversial figure to the USCCR.  For more information on other appointees, click here.