Outgoing UM Regents Attend Last Board Meeting

Two outgoing University of Michigan regents – Martin Taylor and Libby Maynard – were recognized at the board’s Dec. 13, 2012 meeting, the last one of their 16-year tenure. The two Democrats did not seek reelection this year. They will be replaced by Democrats Mark Bernstein of Ann Arbor and Shauna Ryder Diggs of Detroit, who is Taylor’s daughter-in-law. Bernstein and Diggs were the top two vote-getters in a statewide election for the regents’ seats on Nov. 6.

Regent Julia Darlow read a resolution of appreciation for Maynard, a Flint-area resident and alumna of the School of Social Work. The resolution cited Maynard’s “strong support for the University’s affirmative action efforts, women’s and gender equity issues, and initiatives to increase the diversity of students and faculty.”

Board chair Larry Deitch read the resolution of appreciation for Taylor of Grosse Pointe Farms, likening their relationship to that of Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes or Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.” Martin and I have had our moments,” Deitch joked, adding that it was more fun when they were on the same side. The resolution cited Taylor’s “stalwart commitment to the issues he values, including diversity in all of its forms, the safety of every member of the University community, the importance of intercollegiate athletics, and maintaining the excellence of our academic enterprise…”

Taylor joked that he was moved by so many students turning out to say goodbye to him. He was referring to a crowded room of students who were primarily there to protest two issues: (1) the university’s investments in HEI Hotels & Resorts, and (2) tuition inequality for undocumented students. Many supporters of the Coalition for Tuition Equality wore red tape over their mouths during the meeting, to represent how they are silenced by institutional discrimination.

Also recognized for her service was Nancy Asin, the long-time assistant secretary of the university who is retiring this year. Deitch thanked Asin for her “willingness to put up with BS” from the regents, calling her the glue that held the board together.

This report was filed from the Michigan Union’s Anderson room on UM’s central campus, where the regents held their December meeting.