Association of diversity and civil rights professionals condemns McCain’s support for Arizona anti-affirmative action initiative
For Immediate Release: July 28, 2008
Contact: Shirley J. Wilcher (240) 893-9475
Washington, DC. - The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) is a nonpartisan organization and as such does not take a position regarding the desirability of any candidate for public office. AAAA expresses serious disappointment about Senator John McCain's support for the Arizona anti-affirmative action Civil Rights Initiative, however. “Senator McCain, make no mistake about it. Affirmative action is not a partisan issue; it is a people issue,” said ReNee S. Dunman, president of the American Association for Affirmative Action upon learning that Senator John McCain supports the anti-affirmative action Arizona Civil Rights Initiative. “Affirmative action impacts all people who stand to benefit from the result - equal opportunity. Changing one’s mind is certainly the American way but changing positions to garner support from a particular population should be questioned even by those who oppose affirmative action,” she added. Moreover, using affirmative action as a wedge issue only divides our nation when it is time to bring us together. The Senator does not profess to have had a new found revelation supporting his decision to change positions on affirmative action. Instead it appears he has strategically realigned his position with those he believes will elect him as President.
Senator McCain has reportedly declared he supports the referendum because he does not believe in quotas... He says, “I have not seen the details of some of these proposals. But I’ve always opposed quotas." Either Senator McCain has been misinformed and erroneously equates affirmative action with quotas or he is deliberately doing so to secure votes from opponents of affirmative action. Either way you view it, it’s a “lose-lose” situation and the nation should raise a collective brow.
Ms. Dunman went on to state: “Once again, I am compelled to dispel the myth that affirmative action requires quotas. Quotas are unlawful and expressly prohibited by federal regulations. In 2000, the U.S. Department of Labor revised the affirmative action regulations to make clear that “goals may not be rigid and inflexible quotas, which must be met, nor are they to be considered as either a ceiling or a floor for the employment of particular groups. Quotas are expressly forbidden.” 41 C.F.R. 60-2.16.
Affirmative action is necessary, fair, prevents discrimination and gives everyone an opportunity to compete regardless of race or gender. Affirmative action is not a form of discrimination; rather, it is a means to remedy it. Discrimination is grounded in prejudice resulting in unjust exclusion of qualified individuals in the workforce, academe and government contracting. This is exactly why it is and should be unlawful. In contrast, affirmative action is grounded in fairness through equitable inclusion of all people including those who happen to be women and minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans. We urge Senator McCain and others who share his views to contact us if they would like to be properly informed about affirmative action law and policy. For more information, go to http://www.affirmativeaction.org/.
Founded in 1974, the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) is a national not-for-profit association of professionals working in the areas of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity. AAAA helps its members to be more successful and productive in their careers. It also promotes understanding and advocacy of affirmative action to enhance access and equality in employment, economic and educational opportunities.
888 16th Street, NW, Suite 800 * Washington, D.C. 20006 *202-349-9855 ex 1857 *
800-252-8952 * Fax: 202-355-1399 * www.affirmativeaction.org
No comments:
Post a Comment