At Issue: Election 2006
Proposal 2: Vote NO on anti-affirmative action measure
The deceptively named Michigan Civil
Rights Initiative would put at risk many
programs that aid women and minorities.
Don’t be fooled into voting “yes” for the deceptive “Michigan Civil Rights Initiative” that will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.
The MCRI does not favor civil rights. In fact, just the opposite. This misleading, anti-affirmative action proposal would overturn civil rights gains made in the last four decades.
At a time when our schools should be increasing opportunities for students from all backgrounds—regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, family income or any other factor—the ballot initiative will immediately eliminate long-standing, effective programs that provide opportunities to women and minorities.
It would further erode Michigan’s ability to educate an increasingly diverse student body for jobs of the global 21st century economy. Providing opportunities to students, especially minority children and girls, is vital to developing a qualified work force.
‘Diversity is our strength’
MEA President Iris Salters urges a NO vote on the proposed constitutional amendment.
“Diversity is our strength in Michigan—we built this country and this state on diversity—and as a society we need to continue to provide equal opportunities and equal access for everyone,” she said.“This proposal would hurt those opportunities.”
That’s why MEA has joined a bipartisan coalition of business, labor and religious groups, along with prominent Republicans and Democrats, including both gubernatorial candidates, to defeat Proposal 2.
MEA members, students make gains
Thousands of MEA members who work in our public schools and colleges are treated fairly now because affirmative action has helped put an end to discriminatory practices. The teaching ranks are more diverse because of affirmative action. To the detriment of students everywhere, eliminating affirmative action would likely result in less diversity in the classroom, not more.
Government-sponsored affirmative action programs have provided opportunities to students who otherwise would not have had them. The learning environment is better for all students because of these changes.
Helpful programs put at risk
Many programs that help our students will be jeopardized if this harmful ballot initiative is approved, including:
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Elementary- and high school-level reading, science and math programs for female and minority students.
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Summer and after-school programs targeted to either girls or boys.
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Recruitment and support programs for high school and community college students in career education programs that are nontraditional for their gender, such as men in nursing and early childhood education, or women in the skilled trades.
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Higher education funding for minority health professionals, who, along with women, are more likely to practice in underserved communities.
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Scholarships, fellowships and grants at all levels that consider gender, race, ethnicity or national origin.
Too much is at risk with this misguided proposal. Vote NO on Proposal 2.