WHEREAS:

AFSCME remains dedicated to achieving the fullest exercise of civil rights for all residents of the United States; and

WHEREAS:

Although many civil rights protections are embodied in federal, state and local laws, the effectiveness of these laws depends upon a firm commitment by government to support their enforcement with adequate funding and staff; and

WHEREAS:

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; and

WHEREAS:

On May 14, 2002, the Federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger that upholds the University of Michigan's affirmative action admissions policies and is an historic victory for affirmative action; and

WHEREAS:

The decennial census is the basis for virtually all demographic information used by policy makers, and community leaders in distributing government resources, redistricting, and other important decisions. To the extent that the census undercounts minority populations, it dilutes minority voting rights and reduces the federal funds available to those communities in which the undercounted minorities live. Census data are used to monitor and enforce compliance with civil rights statutes, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and employment, housing, lending, and education anti-discrimination laws; and

WHEREAS:

Some Americans still do not have federal civil rights guaranteed by law. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which prohibits job discrimination based on sexual orientation, has been brought up for consideration every Congressional session since its introduction in 1994. And, though it has yet to be passed, its support has continued to grow stronger and broader. ENDA has the strong support of religious organizations, businesses, and civil rights and labor groups; and

WHEREAS:

The AFSCME rank and file includes thousands of members with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act have provided opportunities for AFSCME members and all people with disabilities to participate more fully in the economic and social life of the nation. The United States Supreme Court has recently rendered decisions that seriously restrict the ability of disabled working people to seek accommodation under the ADA. State employees can no longer sue for monetary damages under Title I of the ADA.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to play a leading role in civil rights issues; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

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. AFSCME will send copies of the petition to support this case to all subordinate bodies and encourage them to circulate it among the membership and the community at large; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports substantial increases in funding for the federal agencies that are charged with enforcing and monitoring important civil rights laws and will work with Congress to that end; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work to ensure passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment because of one's sexual orientation. AFSCME will support legislation at all levels of government to guarantee the civil rights of all persons without regard to sexual orientation in public and private employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and public services. Likewise, AFSCME will vigorously fight legislative and other efforts to reduce the rights of people based on their sexual orientation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will advocate for a decennial census that accurately reflects the population, particularly minorities and the poor, to ensure that our communities and members receive their fair share of federal funds and political representation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work with Congress to restore the full scope of the ADA's protections against job discrimination. AFSCME will use the collective bargaining process, wherever possible, to ensure these rights. AFSCME will continue to provide support to councils and locals to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are defended, both in the workplace and in their daily lives.

SUBMITTED BY: INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD