University of Michigan Faces Lawsuit From Anti-Diversity Group Over Claims of Bias Against Straight White Men

A conservative group is taking legal action against the University of Michigan and its student-run Michigan Law Review. They argue that straight white cisgender men face discrimination in the selection process.

This group, known as Faculty, Alumni, & Students Opposed to Racial Preferences (FASORP), filed their lawsuit in federal court in Detroit this June. They claim the Law Review’s process breaks federal civil rights laws, including Title VI and Title IX, by favoring candidates based on race and gender.

According to FASORP, only 40% of the Law Review staff are chosen based purely on scores from student editors. The other 60% are selected by a “Holistic Review Committee.” This committee considers personal statements that can include details like race and gender. FASORP argues this system skews the selection toward women, non-Asian minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. They say the committee aims for a specific demographic mix.

This lawsuit comes during heightened federal scrutiny of college admissions. Earlier this year, Craig Trainor, an official at the Department of Education, warned universities that considering race in any form, including in essays, could threaten their federal funding.

In response, the University of Michigan stated it fully complies with the law and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.

FASORP represents four individuals in this case—all white, straight, cisgender men. Three are law professors who say their articles were rejected by the Law Review, while the fourth is a student who applied to join. Their names have not been released.

This legal battle isn’t unprecedented. In 2019, a similar lawsuit involving the Harvard Law Review was dismissed because the group failed to identify its members.

The conversation around diversity in academia is complex. While some believe initiatives promote fairness and inclusivity, others argue they result in reverse discrimination. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that opinions on affirmative action vary widely, with 67% of Black respondents supporting it compared to only 29% of White respondents. This highlights the ongoing debate about how best to achieve equity in education.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set important precedents. As university admissions and selection processes evolve, the risks and benefits of diversity initiatives will continue to be a hot topic, shaping the future of academic institutions across the nation.

For further reading on diversity in academic settings, see the Pew Research Center’s findings on public opinion regarding affirmative action.



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academic discrimination,affirmative action,civil rights lawsuit,diversity in education,FASORP,meritocracy,Michigan Law Review,Title IX,Title VI,University of Michigan