Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

Two lawsuits filed in 1997 (Gratz, et al. v. Bollinger; and Grutter, et al. v. Bollinger) made the University of Michigan a focal point in the national debate over the value and legality of affirmative action in higher education. The lawsuits brought by non-minority applicants challenged the legality of the university's admissions process. Documentation includes briefs, judicial orders and opinions, expert reports, trial transcripts and exhibits, and amicus briefs from companies and organizations supporting the university's position in both the Gratz and Grutter case. Also included are snapshot of the university's admissions lawsuits website and clippings and media files.

The records are organized in four series, Grutter v. Bollinger, et al., Gratz v. Bollinger, et al., Admissions Lawsuits Website and News Media. The first three series contain briefs, judicial orders and opinions, experts' reports, amicus briefs from companies and organizations supporting the university's position in the lawsuits, and a limited number of press releases and documents printed from the website maintained by the university's News and Information Services regarding the lawsuits. The News Media series, however, is entirely comprised of news articles, editorials and press releases from newspapers across the country. Note that the record group currently contains only public documents. It does not contain internal General Counsel documents or correspondence regarding the lawsuits.

Artificially constructed collection of University of Michigan publications received from a variety of sources. The publications have been sorted by the name of the creating unit, office or organization. Publications within the units or organizations have not been arranged.

The Publications in this artificially constructed collection of drop boxes include annual reports, brochures, bulletins, catalogs, directories, ephemera including flyers, invitations, posters, and programs, histories, manuals, newsletters, proceedings of conferences, reports, and topical publications.

A small number of publications for which no creating organization is discernible are listed at the end of this finding aid by title. These publications include a number of student newsletters and campus guides. Major continuing units are represented as well as smaller and defunct units.

Some university publications have been individually cataloged and exist in their own record groups. As this collection serves as an unprocessed drop box for university publications, not all units will be represented. Most of the units represented consist of a few folders of material, unless otherwise indicated in the finding aid. Consult MIRLYN for individually cataloged items as well as other related items.

Artificially constructed collection of University of Michigan videotapes received from a variety of sources. Videotapes, mainly in VHS format, of University of Michigan events, symposiums, panel discussions, interviews, outreach and public service announcements as well as network news depictions featuring the University of Michigan. Includes Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy ground breaking and naming, Arthur Miller symposium, MLK Day events, and Y2K public service announcements.

Artificially constructed collection of University of Michigan videotapes received from a variety of sources. Videotapes, mainly in VHS format, of University of Michigan events, symposiums, panel discussions, interviews, outreach and public service announcements as well as network news depictions featuring the University of Michigan. Includes Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy ground breaking and naming, Arthur Miller symposium, MLK Day events, and Y2K public service announcements. The videos are arranged into of four series: Events, Interviews, Outreach and U-M Produced Videos, and News Depictions of U-M. Unless otherwise indicated, all items are in the VHS format.

Wall and engagement calendars produced and published by Ann Arbor, Mich. firms such as George Wahr, Sheehan and Co., and designer Almira F. Lovell. Calendars feature contemporary photographs and drawings of the University of Michigan campus, people, and environs.

The wall and engagement calendars were produced and published by Ann Arbor, Mich. firms such as George Wahr, Sheehan and Co., and designer Almira F. Lovell. The calendars feature contemporary and historical photographs and drawings of the University of Michigan campus, people, and environs. The calendars are divided into two series: Wall Calendars and Engagement Calendars (1945-1968). All calendars are arranged by date within the series.