UM Regents meeting halted by diversity protesters

Ann Arbor — Protesters demanding greater minority enrollment at the University of Michigan disrupted Thursday's Board of Regents meeting, bringing proceedings to a halt.

Regents and university officials left the Anderson Room at the Michigan Union after about two dozen members of the activist group By Any Means Necessary interrupted the session with chants, including, "Open it up or we'll shut it down."

The protesters called for more minority students at UM, including greater representation from Detroit, shouting, "We don't need another committee. Open it up to Detroit city!"

Jose Alvarenga, an organizer of the protest, said demonstrators intended to shut down the meeting so their voices could be heard. He said when students spoke last year about their concerns, the Regents didn't pay attention.

The demonstrators included black, white, Latino and Jewish students. Kevin Wolf, a Jewish student, said all minorities are connected and should stand up.

After the Regents left, officials said the meeting would be reconvened at the Fleming Administration Building. As of shortly after 4 p.m., it appeared no arrests had been made.

UM's black student enrollment has fallen since the state's voters approved a ban on affirmative action in college admissions in 2006, dropping from a range of 6 to 9 percent to 4.8 percent last fall. Alvarenga said black freshman enrollment fell this fall to 3.8 percent.

Earlier this year, UM officials agreed to initiatives aimed at increasing black enrollment and improving the campus climate for minority students after talks with the Black Student Union.

UM said it would partner with black students at university-sponsored events that encourage African-Americans who have been admitted to the UM to enroll.

UM also pledged to launch a pilot transportation project for black students living in more affordable housing outside Ann Arbor; earmark $300,000 to improve security at the Trotter Multicultural Center; and create a website for emergency funds available to students.

kkozlowski@detroitnews.com