AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION CELEBRATES THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA

American Association for Affirmative Action
Celebrates the Election of Barack Obama, First African-American President;
Denounces the Passage of Nebraska Anti-Affirmative Action Initiative
“Change has truly come to America”

The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), a national membership organization of equal employment opportunity (EEO), affirmative action and diversity professionals, congratulates Barack Obama on his historic election as President of the United States of America. AAAA President ReNee S. Dunman stated: “We who have devoted our careers to the inclusion of all who are able and qualified to serve in America’s workplaces celebrate the fact that a son of Africa and America, of Kenya and Kansas will ascend to the presidency of these United States.” America affirmatively acted to select leadership, talent and ability, without regard to the superficial trappings of race and color. “This is the promise of America, whose spirit is embodied in the Constitution. This is the future of America. Barack Obama has also shown us that hope is not a vain exercise. The investment and sacrifice made in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements by all who gave their lives -- black, white, men and women, young and old, have yielded a momentous dividend today, she added.” While we observe the historic significance of Barack Obama’s success, Ms. Dunman emphasizes that the struggle for opportunity has not ended, however. “Where there is inequality and exclusion, affirmative action remains essential in promoting equal opportunity in the workplace, higher education and contracting.”

AAAA denounces the passage of the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative, “Initiative 424.” “We are troubled by Mr. Connerly’s scorched-earth campaign to end equal opportunity in America,” said Ms. Dunman. “At a time when we are celebrating the election of the first African-American president in the history of the United States, we must continue to fight to keep the doors of opportunity open in the states.” AAAA commends the valiant efforts of the Nebraska Board of Regents and other agencies and groups who fought to resist the passage of this initiative. “The Michigan Proposal 2 has not been able to defeat the course of opportunity, diversity and excellence there and we firmly believe that the Nebraska initiative will be equally ineffective.” Overall, Ward Connerly’s “Super Tuesday” effort to pass anti-affirmative action ballot initiatives in five states was “a colossal failure.” “We must commend the national organizations as well as the local efforts to defeat these regressive measures,” stated Ms. Dunman.

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. 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.
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American Association for Affirmative Action
888 16th Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-349-9855
202-355-1399
www.affirmativeaction.org