WHEREAS:
In June 2002, the 35th AFSCME International Convention passed a resolution submitted by the International Executive Board entitled "CIVIL RIGHTS," which stated in part:
"…Affirmative Action has successfully extended equal opportunities to qualified women and people of color for over 25 years, leveling the playing field and encouraging diversity in the areas of education, employment, and government contracting. Affirmative action is not about quotas, which are illegal. Affirmative action is not about giving unqualified people jobs. Affirmative action is about addressing the nation's long history of discrimination…That AFSCME is committed to diversity and full participation, both within the union and in society as a whole. AFSCME specifically supports efforts to uphold the University of Michigan case, Grutter v. Bollinger..."
WHEREAS:
In 2003, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Grutter v. Bollinger affirming that diversity in higher education is a compelling state interest and that the use of race and affirmative action in admissions were legal; and
WHEREAS:
Ward Connerly, who has been stopped in the past, continues to try to negate the Grutter decision and to outlaw all affirmative action. His current campaign in Michigan, deceptively called the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI), is only his latest attempt to achieve these ends. He was also behind Proposition 209 in California. It is his goal to spread similar campaigns nationwide; and
WHEREAS:
The state-appointed Michigan Civil Rights Commission has documented massive fraud by issuing a 1,000 page report after hosting open hearings across the state of Michigan; and
WHEREAS:
In spite of challenges, the MCRI will appear on the ballot in Michigan in November.
WHEREAS:
A legal suit has been initiated in federal court by Operation King's Dream as well as the BAMN charging MCRI and the State of Michigan with having violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
AFSCME reaffirms its commitment to affirmative action, integration and equality within the union and society in general; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
AFSCME will redouble its efforts to fight to achieve these goals; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will expeditiously review joining the legal suit seeking to keep MCRI off the November ballot in Michigan due to MCRI's violations of the voting rights act of 1965; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
AFSCME will oppose the MCRI ballot measure in Michigan by participating in coalitions using people power, money, and other resources as appropriate.
SUBMITTED BY:
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
John Riehl, President and Delegate
Michael Mulholland, Secretary-Treasurer and Delegate
Lekita Thomas, Unit Chairperson and Delegate
Nathan C. McKinney, Unit Chairperson and Delegate
Andre Batie, Vice-President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 207, Council 25
Michael Caldwell. Delegate
Emily Kunze, President and Delegate
Alanna L. Reyes-Ali, Delegate
AFSCME Local 2920, Council 25
Gina M. Thompson, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1642, Council 25
Robert Stokes, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 23, Council 25
Arlene Kirby, President
AFSCME Local 1206, Council 25
June Nickleberry, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 214, Council 25
Phillip Douglas, Vice-President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 312, Council 25
Pat Allen, Vice-President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1023, Council 25
Robert Donald, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 836, Council 25
Michigan