The U.S. Supreme Court will be asked to review a case claiming the Michigan Emergency Manager Law violates the federal Voting Rights Act.
The move comes after a decision this week by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to order an amicus brief be filed with the nation’s high court reviewing a lawsuit against the Governor’s office.
Agustin Arbulu is the Director of the Michigan Office of Civil Rights. He said the lawsuit against the Governor’s office claims voter’s rights are being violated.
“There’s been a lot of issues raised around people’s voices not being heard under the current emergency manager law. Maybe this will spur some further consideration on changing the laws for allowing more community feedback.”
The case, Bellant V. Snyder, claims MIchigan’s emergency manager law disproportionately impacts African American communities.
Arbulu said the state Civil Rights commission's determined a review of the emergency manager law was needed.
“What it means really is that the supreme court will receive a different perspective that might sway them to want to take this case.”
To date, Bellant V. Snyder has been shot down by lower courts.
Representatives with the Governor’s office said they could not comment on pending litigation.
The amicus brief is expected to be filed by May 8th.