The Salt Lake Tribune
By Sean P. Means
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 02/27/2010 05:16:21 PM MST
A coalition of Utah community groups is mobilizing to stop a proposed amendment to Utah's constitution that would bar any affirmative-action policy in schools, workplaces or government services.
HJR24 passed out of a Utah House committee Feb. 11, one day after it was introduced, and awaits action by the full House. If passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses and signed by Gov. Gary Herbert, it could appear on the ballot as soon as November.
Speakers at an educational forum organized Saturday at Salt Lake City's Horizonte Instructional Center told an audience of about 60 that they must spread the word that affirmative action is not "reverse racism" -- as labeled by those backing HJR24 -- but a tool to foster equality that benefits everyone.
"The people at the greatest risk from not having diversity are white people," said William Smith, associate professor of educational policy at the University of Utah, who is black. "You're at risk of being culturally and civilly retarded. ... If you put all of your savings in one area, you're bankrupt. I'm talking culturally bankrupt."
Rep. Curtis Oda, R-Clearfield, the sponsor of HJR24, calls affirmative action a failure.
"You're promoting discrimination to stop discrimination," Oda said in a phone interview Saturday. "You're telling these people, 'You're not good enough to do it on your own. Let's just hand it to you.'"
Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14484512
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