TALKING POINTS:
Defend Affirmative Action:
Battleground Michigan
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The NAACP firmly supports the use of affirmative action policies and practices by states to ensure equal opportunities for minorities and women.
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NAACP President, Bruce Gordon asserts, "The NAACP will not stand by and let Connerly mislead voters in Michigan as he did in California and Washington where anti-affirmative action campaigns were successful," said Gordon. "He failed in Florida four years ago and he will fail in Michigan."
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The NAACP agrees with Michigan Gov. Granholm that Connerly and his supporters want Michigan voters to "turn their backs on a proud history of being a state where diversity is more than a slogan and affirmative action is used to assure a diverse future in education and in the work force."
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The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative was conceived to deceive voters; beginning with the misleading name it was given. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission received 218 affidavits from citizens who stated that they were misled or fraudulently induced to sign the petition that put the initiative on the statewide ballot.
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Eliminating affirmative action programs would have a negative effect on women and people of color, as evidenced by disturbing trends in California and Washington after similar ballot initiatives were passed.
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Defeating the initiative in Michigan is important because it is expected to have a detrimental affect on Connerly's continued ability to raise money to continue his crusade to eliminate affirmative action state by state.
TAKE ACTION!
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Vote! If you are a Michigan voter, vote and encourage everyone else you know to show up at the polls in November to defeat Proposal 2.
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Educate! Make sure that everyone you know is educated about the battle in Michigan and stays aware of similar, potentially misleading legislation in your state. Raise awareness through op-eds, e-mails and phone calls.
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Volunteer! Help us defeat this initiative by signing up to volunteer or donating to the NAACP.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
NAACP Chief Policy Officer, John Jackson [410.580.5762, jjackson@naacpnet.org]
NAACP National Civic Engagement Coordinator, Cherese Williams [410-580-5652], cnwilliams@naacpnet.org]
Press Contact: John C. White, NAACP Communications Director: [410.580.5127, jwhite@naacpnet.org]
For additional information about the multi-racial coalition created to defend affirmative action in Michigan please visit: www.oneunitedmichigan.org
