Legal Battles Over a Ban on Preferences Heat Up

By PETER SCHMIDT

Judge delays enforcement of Michigan measure; more challenges are on tap

The status of Michigan's new ban on affirmative-action preferences remained uncertain last week as lawyers fought over whether the measure should be enforced immediately, down the road, or never.

Proposal 2, approved by 58 percent of Michigan voters in the November 7 elections, amends the state's Constitution to bar public colleges and other state agencies and institutions from operating programs that grant