the meeting received considerable media attention because of the protest. in the months following the controversial board meeting, mitchell resigned from the board and o'connor was charged with contempt of court; however the charges were dismissed after o'connor sought disclosure of improper communications between the chief judge and the republican leadership of the legislature. o'connor later testified against the mcri at the august 17 federal court hearing, relaying how he had witnessed two african-american women circulating the anti-affirmative action petition in detroit telling signers that it was in support of affirmative action.