Michigan House Bill HB5448

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24

Caption

Higher education: generally; public university writings requesting racial or ethnic identification; require to include "Middle Eastern or North African" category. Amends sec. 402a of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2402a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5447'24

Impact

This bill requires public universities in Michigan to recognize and include additional classifications that reflect the diversity of the student body accurately. By including terms like 'multiracial' and 'Middle Eastern or North African', the bill seeks to enhance representation in institutional documentation and funding mechanisms. The implications extend beyond mere categorization; it aligns with broader civil rights objectives by ensuring that minority groups are acknowledged and counted within state educational systems.

Summary

House Bill 5448 proposes amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, specifically focusing on educational institutions and their classification of students by race or ethnicity. The bill mandates that if an educational institution chooses to request racial or ethnic identification, it must include 'multiracial' as a classification and provide a specific definition for it, meaning individuals having parents of different races. Furthermore, the bill also removes the term 'other' from such classifications, aiming to more accurately represent the diverse racial backgrounds of students.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the implementation of these classifications, especially if federal agencies do not accept the designated terms. The bill stipulates that if a federal entity does not recognize 'multiracial' or 'Middle Eastern or North African', educational institutions must adjust these classifications back to those recognized federally. Critics may argue that this requirement complicates the accurate representation of students, especially those from multiracial backgrounds, and raises concerns regarding bureaucratic red tape that could undermine institutional policies established at the state level.