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[source: NativeNews; Mon, 21 Feb 2000 09:20:59]

Michigan news briefs
February 21, 2000
ANN ARBOR

Sit-in continues over secret group
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/date21_20000221.htm
A handful of University of Michigan minority students who have waged a two-week sit-in protesting a secret society on campus said they're prepared to spend next week's spring break in the society's office.

"We're prepared to do what it takes," said Farah Mongeau, a first-year law student and member of the Students of Color Coalition. On Feb. 6, eight students took over Michigamua's offices in the tower of the Michigan Union.

Mongeau said Michigamua uses American Indian artifacts and rituals during meetings, in violation of a 1989 agreement to end the practices. The protesters are demanding that the university sever ties with Michigamua and two other societies, the Vulcans and Phoenix, because of their association with Michigamua.

Michigamua spokesman Nick Delgado said the society, which was founded in 1901 as an honorary society for seniors to promote leadership and community service, no longer uses the artifacts and has stored them for several years. The society has occupied an office in the Michigan Union tower since 1919.

On Saturday, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton had lunch with the protesters and said he would try to bring in other prominent activists such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson to join the sit-in if the matter is not resolved soon, Mongeau said.

Two university administrators met with both groups, and another meeting is planned for today.

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