Initiative 200(29)

RESOLUTION 29: Initiative 200

WHEREAS THE LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS (LULAC) supports the purpose of fostering and enlarging the opportunities for training, education, civil rights, job opportunities, housing, economic development, and welfare of all Hispanics in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, voters of Washington State have been asked to consider and endorse Initiative 200 which would ban Affirmative Action, and;

WHEREAS, LULAC finds that the public interests is best served when voters clearly understand the effects of ballot measures placed before them, and;

WHEREAS, the best way to inform the voters about Affirmative Action would be to disseminate information regarding what existing Affirmative Action programs have done and are intended to do, and;

WHEREAS, voters in other jurisdiction, such as Houston, Texas have supported the continuation of Affirmative Action programs when asked to repeal such specifically named programs, and;

WHEREAS, it is critical for the voters of Washington and other states to understand the effect of Initiative 200 which would be to make certain existing governmental Affirmative Action program practices unlawful, and;

WHEREAS, in less than on year, since the passage of the same type of proposition in California college admissions statistics reveal the abandonment of Affirmative Action in public and higher education has resulted in a dramatic drop in Latino enrollment in higher education institutions, subsequently eroding opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain economic security and self sufficiency, and;

WHEREAS, the passage of Initiative 200 would have a negative impact on Washington and other states' convention, tourism and trade industry, and;

WHEREAS, Initiative 200 threatens to erode the progress that has been made through Affirmative Action to create a more inclusive society, and;

WHEREAS, LULAC is resolved to protect equal opportunity for all of its citizens and promote diversity through outreach and recruitment programs targeted to women and minorities, and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 1998 National Assembly convened in Dallas, Texas on the 4th day of July, 1998, oppose Initiative 200 and reaffirm its' commitment to Affirmative Action programs that seek to remedy discrimination, foster a diverse society and ensure the American dream of equality of opportunity is available to all. We support Affirmative Action because it is a practical and effective tool in ensuring diversity and representation in our country. We believe our strong support for Affirmative Action sends a clear message to our communities, especially to our young people that all individuals have and equal place in American's future.

Approved this 4th day of July, 1998.

Rick Dovalina
LULAC National President