Native American students at the University of Michigan have come out against the recent lawsuit filed against the university and campus society Michigauma, citing the lawsuit is a dead issue.
The lawsuit, filed by Michigan alumnus and attorney Christopher Bell, alleges Michigauma violated the rights of Native Americans and is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. Michigauma acknowledged their use of Native practices in the past, but according to a statement on their website, those practices were abandoned in 1989.
The lawsuit states, "The university either knew that Michigauma was continuing to violate the contract or it engaged in deliberate blindness in not inquiring or monitoring Michigauma's activities."
On Thursday, Feb. 23, the university issued a statement to Bay Mills News in response to the lawsuit.
"The University of Michigan has no ties to Michigauma. Although individual U-M students and alumni are members, it is not a registered student organization, is not eligible for fundraising through the University, and does not have any dedicated space on campus. The lawsuit has no merit and we will seek dismissal."
According to Bay Mills tribal member Veronica Pasfield, who is currently attending graduate school at U of M, Bell intends on taking his case further against the university by approaching tribes and asking them not to send their students to the school because of its relations with Michigauma.
"Michigauma is no longer a student group," said Pasfield. " We are not in support of what Chris [Bell] is doing; this lawsuit is irrelevant and out of date. We are afraid this will take away from the good things that are going on down here in regards to Native culture."
Pasfield said the school is currently working towards a language program and is in the midst of a repatriation project. In addition, the university has hired a number of Native American faculty in recent years.
Vice President for Student Affairs Royce Harper echoed Pasfield's concerns about a boycott.
"The use of Native American culture, rituals and artifacts by Michigauma in the past was wrong, and I understand why that history continues to cause hurt in the Native community," he said. " However, the lawsuit filed against the university is destructive, and does not serve to advance our understanding or improve our campus. I am most disturbed by the recommendation that Native American students boycott our academic programs. It would be a tremendous loss to all of us if Native American students choose not to participate."
In 2000, student protesters took over the Michigauma campus office by holding a 37-day sit-in, alleging the group misused Native American artifacts and traditions. The group now meets off-campus.
Michigauma was founded in 1902 and is commonly referred to as a secret society as the group members choose not to publicly announce their membership.
Bell's lawsuit is seeking class-action status.
