UM Sued Over Stadium Wheelchair Seating

Paralyzed Veterans Fight Discrimination

Detroit FOX 2 News - April 17, 2007

Announcer:

"Disabled veterans are suing the University of Michigan over access to Michigan Stadium. The lawsuit claims that renovations to the "Big House" are a violation of federal law. FOX 2's Bill Gallagher explains the issues."

News Reporter Bill Gallagher:

"Clark Shuler is one of the members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America suing the University of Michigan. He and his wife have been season ticket holders for U. of M. football games for 15 years. The suit claims the university is deliberately violating federal law by dictating the location for wheelchair seating at the stadium - all in the end zone. "

Michigan Paralyzed Veteran Clark Shuler:

"As an organization, we have worked with the Tigers, and the Lions, and they were happy to have our help. We were happy to give it. We do not live to sue. It's regrettable that it's come to this, but this is what it's come to. "

News Reporter Bill Gallagher:

"The stadium is undergoing a $225 million renovation. The university has claimed it is repair work, not an alteration of the stadium, that would require compliance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. "

Attorney Richard Bernstein:

"To make sure that paralyzed people and disabled people are not segregated, that they're a part of the community, that they are a part of the society. "

News Reporter Bill Gallagher:

"Bernstein, who is blind, is an advocate for the right of the disabled. He argues people in wheelchairs should have a variety of seating choices. He points to renovations at Notre Dame Stadium which comply with federal laws. "

Attorney Richard Bernstein:

"Notre Dame did it not just because it was the law, but more importantly they did it because they felt it was the right thing to do, the appropriate thing to do, the just thing to do, because they want disabled people to be a part of their community and to be a part of their stadium. "

News Reporter Bill Gallagher:

"Asked to comment, a spokesperson says the university has not been formally served with legal papers. Richard Bernstein and Clark Shuler question the university's stated commitment to diversity. "

Michigan Paralyzed Veteran Clark Shuler:

"They seem unwilling to honor diversity when ... it seems to be about money. "

News Reporter Bill Gallagher:

"In Ann Arbor, Bill Gallagher, FOX 2 News. "