But Friedman added that he might hold parts of the trial in Ann Arbor. Kirk Kolbo, lead counsel for the Center for Individual Rights, began the arguments by describing why the firm had brought the University to court. Our second principle is that diversity is not a compelling government interest. John Payton, lead counsel for the University, said the Law School needs to take race into account in its admissions process to ensure an equal footing to all applicants. We have all assumed we have moved from being a segregated society into a fully integrated society.
People grow up separately and go to school separately.
The law, I would say, goes through all aspects of our lives. Payton said it was his belief that almost every selective law school in the country uses race as a factor in admissions. While both Kolbo and Payton requested that Friedman issue a summary judgment, Miranda Massie, lead counsel for the intervening defendants, argued for a trial. Massie said a trial would be necessary to give students the opportunity to speak on behalf of affirmative action, and why it is important to the University. What we want is the opportunity to show you that what's in place is much more equal and fair.