2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsAffirmative action in jeopardy pending November ballot results
Robin Hoover
Issue date: 1/18/08 Section: News
Super Tuesday for Equal Rights is what a California businessman has named the potential ban on affirmative action for Missouri and other state universities.
The potential ban on affirmative action that was added to Missouri's November ballots Monday could affect public universities and other government-run institutions.
According to the Associated Press, the campaign is being led by Ward Connelly, who is black. Connelly and his supporters said affirmative action has become race-based and should be given only to those who are in need of it instead of assuming help should be given to all minorities, according to the AP.
"I do not really understand the interest of Ward Connelly and those associated with him in banning affirmative action," equal-opportunity officer Jana Estergard said in an e-mail interview. "I believe that some people might feel that affirmative action is no longer necessary in the U.S. or somehow is a crutch for persons who are underrepresented in employment and education."
The diversity of Missouri State University could be negatively impacted if the ban on affirmative action passes, as the affirmative action program is one of many mechanisms employed to help achieve a diverse environment at a university, Estergard said.
In states where there is currently a ban on affirmative action, universities are reporting a double-digit decline in the numbers of students enrolled who are racial or ethnic minorities, she said.
"Diversity is one of the greatest issues of our time," Estergard said.
In addition to a decrease in student diversity, the university would likely see a reduction in the number of diverse faculty and staff members, she said.
Estergard said the national data clearly shows evidence that racial and ethnic discrimination cases persist.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Com-mission, it received 27,238 charges of race discrimination and resolved 25,992 race charges in 2006.
Research also demonstrates that affirmative action does not displace opportunities for caucasians, she said.
"It is essential that the students of today, regardless of race, sex or any other personal characteristics, are educated in an environment where they are exposed to diverse ideas, perspectives and interactions," Estergard said.
The four other states considering adding the ban are Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
The potential ban on affirmative action that was added to Missouri's November ballots Monday could affect public universities and other government-run institutions.
According to the Associated Press, the campaign is being led by Ward Connelly, who is black. Connelly and his supporters said affirmative action has become race-based and should be given only to those who are in need of it instead of assuming help should be given to all minorities, according to the AP.
"I do not really understand the interest of Ward Connelly and those associated with him in banning affirmative action," equal-opportunity officer Jana Estergard said in an e-mail interview. "I believe that some people might feel that affirmative action is no longer necessary in the U.S. or somehow is a crutch for persons who are underrepresented in employment and education."
The diversity of Missouri State University could be negatively impacted if the ban on affirmative action passes, as the affirmative action program is one of many mechanisms employed to help achieve a diverse environment at a university, Estergard said.
In states where there is currently a ban on affirmative action, universities are reporting a double-digit decline in the numbers of students enrolled who are racial or ethnic minorities, she said.
"Diversity is one of the greatest issues of our time," Estergard said.
In addition to a decrease in student diversity, the university would likely see a reduction in the number of diverse faculty and staff members, she said.
Estergard said the national data clearly shows evidence that racial and ethnic discrimination cases persist.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Com-mission, it received 27,238 charges of race discrimination and resolved 25,992 race charges in 2006.
Research also demonstrates that affirmative action does not displace opportunities for caucasians, she said.
"It is essential that the students of today, regardless of race, sex or any other personal characteristics, are educated in an environment where they are exposed to diverse ideas, perspectives and interactions," Estergard said.
The four other states considering adding the ban are Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Be the first to comment on this story