E-mail from NEIU Dean of Students Michael Kelly to John Tait, February 18, 2005

From: Michael Kelly [mailto:mtkelly@neiu.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 2:35 PM
To: John Tait
Subject: Republican Club Bake Sale

Dear Mr. Tait,

As I was unable to reach you by telephone, the nature of my call is as follows:

My office has been informed that the College Republicans are planning a Bake Sale in Village Square on Friday, February 25^th where lower prices for baked goods will be charged to non-white, non-male purchasers as a commentary about Affirmative Action Laws.  Please be aware that, even if you plan to charge less to minority and female customers (as it was described to me), this action violates the University’s discrimination statement found on page one of the Academic Catalogue of Northeastern Illinois University, 2004-2005.:

“Northeastern Illinois University subscribes to the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.”

This policy is applicable to all members of the NEIU Community, including students and student clubs.

For this reason, I strongly urge the College Republicans to either charge one price to all or to halt the event entirely.  Violating University rules can and will result in charges being filed against the College Republicans through the Charter and Rules Committee of the Student Government Association and against individual members of the group through the University Student Conduct Code.   In addition, any disruption of university activities that would be caused by this event is also actionable under the SGA and student disciplinary guidelines.

I suggest, if you wish to debate or comment on the issue of affirmative action, your group should choose a different method--one that does not run contrary to University policies.

Please call me at 773-442-4611.  This matter needs to be discussed in person at once.

Michael Kelly
Dean of Students