Issues: Affirmative Action
Don't Be Fooled! The ballot proposal to immediately end all affirmative action programs will be on the November ballot and now we know how it will be worded. AFT Michigan has been a very active participant in the very diverse coalition that is working to defeat this proposed change to the Michigan constitution. To join the coalition, find activities in your local area, and receive e-mail updates on the campaign please go to http://www.oneunitedmichigan.org and sign up today. Ballot Language of the Proposed Anti-Affirmative Action Proposal A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO BAN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAMS THAT GIVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS BASED ON THEIR RACE, GENDER, COLOR, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR CONTRACTING PURPOSES The proposed constitutional amendment would: Ban public institutions from using affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin for public employment, education or contracting purposes. Public institutions affected by the proposal include state government, local governments, public colleges and universities, community colleges and school districts. Prohibit public institutions from discriminating against groups or individuals due to their gender, ethnicity, race, color or national origin. (A separate provision of the state constitution already prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.) Should this proposal be adopted? Yes NoMain Talking Points Don't Be Fooled!The mis- named "Michigan Civil Rights Amendment" is a step backwards that will eliminate valuable programs that ensure women and minorities have an opportunity to succeed.The Consequences are REAL.The California Amendment has devastating consequences that voters should understand. It will hurt women and minorities, and Michigan's economy overall. This proposal sounds like a civil rights proposal. It says it will mean an end to gender and racial preferences. It will not. It will instead eliminate the very programs that are helping reduce gender and racial bias that is going on every day. This proposal will roll back the progress Michigan has made against discrimination, taking the state back to the 1960s, when women and minorities had few opportunities.This campaign is from California.California businessman Ward Connerly brought this campaign to end affirmative action to Michigan. He purchased the signatures to put the issue on the ballot. He is running the campaign from California. While Connerly keeps his sources of money secret, recent information shows he has in the past received his funding from a small group of ultra rich, ultraconservatives primarily from California. Connerly is paid more than $1 million a year by these millionaires to run these campaigns. You can view the newspaper articles related to this on the One United Michigan Website in the January 6, 2006 newsletter.Affirmative Action: Dont Be Fooled download .pdf |
