College Republicans Speakers Tackle Tough Issues

by Matthew S. Schwartz
Minority representation and community service are two important goals for the U-M chapter of the College Republicans, which invited two distinguished black conservatives to speak before the mostly white crowd of about forty students in the Michigan League last week.

Reverend Bill Hailes, chair of the county chapter of the Michigan Black Republican Council, outlined two specific goals for Republicans.

First, Republicans must elect as many of their own as possible. “It’s the only way that we’re going to change … the atrocities that are taking place in America,” said Hailes.

Second, said Hailes, Republicans must increase the visibility of blacks in the party, as voters, candidates, and appointees. Citing an article in the Michigan Chronicle, Hailes said that only one black non-clerical member works for the Democratic staff of the United States Congress, whereas Republican congressmen have hired approximately 15-20 blacks to important staff positions.

It is possible to appoint many qualified minorities and achieve a high level of diversity without affirmative action, said Hailes, by “taking that hiring net and spreading it wide.” With a broader pool of candidates, it’s not difficult to find qualified minorities, he said.

Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey Collins, the first black in the history of the Republican Party nominated to run for the Michigan Supreme Court, spoke to the audience on the importance of community service to the Republican Party.

Republicans should acknowledge “that they have not reached out to all branches of society in the way in which they should,” said Collins.

According to Collins, Republicans are needed who “won’t be afraid to push the envelope,” and “who will be prepared to break the mold.”

The perception is that the Republican Party “does not care for the underdog,” said Collins. “It’s important to help the poor.”

“But there will be obstacles to change,” he said. According to Collins, Detroit’s large number of Democratic residents will be suspicious of Republicans’ motives in wanting to help the community. What the party has to do is “show that all Republicans are not evil. … As college students, you must go out and take the bullets which will be fired,” he said.