AAAA Opposes New Efforts by Right Wing Groups to Use Immigration Legislation to Undermine Affirmative Action

For Immediate Release
June 8, 2007

Contact: Shirley J. Wilcher, 617-298-4156; 240-893-9475 (cell)
Joyce Pratt, 609-748-0936

AAAA Opposes New Efforts by Right Wing Groups to Use Immigration Legislation to Undermine Affirmative Action
Efforts to Exclude Immigrants Violates America’s Promise of Fairness and Equality

The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), an organization of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action professionals, opposes efforts by the American Civil Rights Institute and other right wing groups to severely limit the scope of affirmative action laws by excluding new immigrants. “Affirmative action laws have historically included groups who have suffered discrimination on the basis of national origin,” said AAAA President ReNee Dunman. “To eliminate longstanding protections for those who come to this country seeking opportunity, fairness and equality is unconscionable,” she added. “This is a bold move to weaken all affirmative action laws that benefit women and persons of color.”

“Just as ‘Knowledge is power,’ so too is the lack of knowledge when this failing is used to further short-sighted ambitions. Members of opposition groups don’t mind exploiting the fact that many Americans are unaware that there are federal and state laws banning discrimination and racial preferences,” Dunman added. “Affirmative action is a remedy for past discrimination as well as a means of preventing current and future exclusionary practices. Affirmative action laws also specifically prohibit preferential treatment.”

This new anti-affirmative action effort is also aimed at one immigrant population in particular -- Hispanics. It is a fact that Hispanics, many of whom can trace their ancestry to the western territories before the United States existed, have historically suffered discrimination on the basis of national origin and race. Newly-arrived Hispanics, many of whom will confront these national origin-based stereotypes and biases, deserve to benefit from programs designed to remedy the effects of such discrimination. Discrimination, prejudice and bigotry on the basis of race, color or national origin are not simply relics of the past. They are current realities.
“We urge Congress to proceed with its deliberations and ignore this thinly-veiled effort to divide us and foment rancor against immigrant Hispanics and all beneficiaries of affirmative action,” added Ms. Dunman.

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American Association for Affirmative Action.
888 16th Street, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
202-349-9855 ex. 1857
www.affirmativeaction..org
Founded in 1974, the American Association for Affirmation Action (AAAA) is a national not-for-profit association of professionals working in the areas of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity. We help our members to be more successful and productive in their careers. We promote understanding and advocacy of affirmative action to enhance access and equality in employment