Now
Overcast
54°
High
66°
Low
43°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Survey: Voters support ending preferences

Comments 56 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

BY MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 03:06:04 pm CDT

The coalition backing a statewide affirmative-action ban says a new survey shows most Nebraskans support eliminating race and gender preferences in hiring and admissions decisions.

Wilson Research Strategies surveyed 500 likely voters this month on behalf of the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative, the group behind an effort to collect enough petition signatures to get a race- and gender-based affirmative-action ban on the November ballot.

According to the survey, released Tuesday, 71 percent of respondents said they favored ending race and gender preferences.

Story Photo
(LJS File)

Another 16 percent were opposed, and 13 percent were undecided or did not answer.

“The results speak for themselves,” Doug Tietz, executive director of the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative, said of the survey.

“Nebraskans are united in supporting the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative.”

Initiative supporters need to collect about 115,000 petition signatures by July 4 to get the issue on the ballot.

Tietz said he’s “confident” they will, though he declined to say how many signatures have been collected so far.

The initiative’s survey, like its petition question, does not use the phrase “affirmative action,” a fact critics say is misleading to voters who may believe the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative is aligned with the Civil Rights Movement.

“The language has been carefully drafted so that people do not know exactly what this does,” said David Kramer, campaign lawyer for Nebraskans United, the coalition fighting the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative.

“The language on its face does not sound offensive, does not sound objectionable. But if this gets on the ballot, we’ll demonstrate exactly what this language means.”

Kramer and others say most Nebraskans support the tailored use of affirmative action, such as at the University of Nebraska, to achieve a diverse student body.

NU has said programs and scholarships geared toward women and minorities could be in danger if an affirmative-action ban passes. The Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative denies that.

Initiative leaders also have dismissed claims their language is misleading, saying voters should be able to understand the issue and that their opponents simply don’t want to acknowledge waning public support for race and gender preferences.

Other highlights of the survey:

* 69 percent of men and 73 percent of women support ending race and gender preferences.

* 73 percent of Republicans and 65 percent of Democrats support ending preferences.

* 72 percent of whites, 64 percent of Hispanics and 76 percent of blacks support ending preferences.

* 44 percent of respondents said they definitely would vote in favor of the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative. Ten percent said they definitely would vote against it.

Similar affirmative-action bans already have passed in California, Michigan and Washington. Five more states were targeted this year: Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Supporters of the civil rights initiatives in Oklahoma and Missouri failed to gather enough petition signatures by their respective deadlines to put the issue before voters.

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Outside the Box wrote on June 24, 2008 11:48 am:
" Given the amount of double speak in the petition and from the California/Michigan/Washington/Arizona/Nebraska/Colorado/Oklahoma/Missour Civil Rights Initiative folks, I'm not surprised they were able to word a survey to get favorable results.

This survey holds as much water as a "study" by RJ Reynolds that cigarette smoke isn't harmful.

As my grandpa used to say: "it's a poor scorekeeper who can't win." "

 bob wrote on June 24, 2008 11:50 am:
" I bet they only called folks who signed the petition. I know nobody who wants this initiave (funded by folks in California and New York) to pass. "

 Bill wrote on June 24, 2008 11:52 am:
" Seems resonable. Personally, I DO NOT want the basis for me getting my job to be because I am black, I want to get a job because I am THE BEST CANDIDATE! Affirmative Action is the most condecending pandering BS I have ever experienced. "

 Bad research wrote on June 24, 2008 12:01 pm:
" Lets face it, this group is using misleading wording to make it look like it has support. After all, are you for empowering all people to have equality when getting a job? Or are you against a forced quota system that causes qualified canidates to not get hired? Both of these statements say the same thing. But it is all about the phrasing of them. By phrasing things deceptivly and only stating half the facts you can make people agree to anything. "

 Jeff wrote on June 24, 2008 12:03 pm:
" Of course ending race and gender preferences is the ultimate goal. Who would say no to that question. But how many who said yes really understand the current implications it would have for Universities - such as scholarship programs, etc. The ultimate question is when and how will we be able to get to that point. When there is such a dramatic underrepresentation of minorities in higher education, now is not the time. I think this is why our Founding Fathers set up a Republic form of government, rather than let the populace vote on every issue directly. "

 Quoting Justice Thomas wrote on June 24, 2008 12:11 pm:
" These programs not only raise grave constitutional questions, they also undermine the moral basis of the equal protection principle. Purchased at the price of immeasurable human suffering, the equal protection principle reflects our Nation's understanding that such classifications ultimately have a destructive impact on the individual and our society. Unquestionably, invidious racial discrimination is an engine of oppression. It is also true that remedial racial preferences may reflect a desire to foster equality in society. But there can be no doubt that racial paternalism and its unintended consequences can be as poisonous and pernicious as any other form of discrimination. So-called benign discrimination teaches many that because of chronic and apparently immutable handicaps, minorities cannot compete with them without their patronizing indulgence. Inevitably, such programs engender attitudes of superiority or, alternatively, provoke resentment among those who believe that they have been wronged by the government's use of race. These programs stamp minorities with a badge of inferiority and may cause them to develop dependencies or to adopt an attitude that they are entitle” to preferences. "

 yeah say what you want but wrote on June 24, 2008 12:25 pm:
" My supervisor wants to hire the "outgoing and friendly, from a small town" woman with NO experience and a questionable employment record over the qualified, experienced black guy who also applied. She thinks the woman will "fit in". "

 Well Bob wrote on June 24, 2008 12:32 pm:
" You must not know many people then or are you just making things up? I do know a rather large amount of people and the large majority of them do want this to pass, not all but over 80% of them do. Now before you start rambling on again, I am a black man and while not all the people I have spoken to about this are black lots are. We happen to agree with Bill on this one. I do not want to get a job because of my skin color but on how well I do my job. "

 J wrote on June 24, 2008 12:34 pm:
" I think what most people don't get about affirmative action is you do NOT get the job JUST BECAUSE you are a minority. Minority status is ONLY considered if all other things are equal. If you have two candidates who are equally qualified, have equal scores on any kind of assesment, and are interviewed and considered equal THEN and ONLY THEN will race/gender/etc. be considered.

Think about how often that happens... The only time employers get in trouble is if 80% of the applicants (or some high percentage) are minorities and it's shown that OVER TIME they only hire whites. Even then, if they had data showing why these candidates were better that will hold up in court, they won't get in trouble.

People need to actually read up on the facts on AA before they go signing petitions or voting against it. "

 J wrote on June 24, 2008 12:36 pm:
" Also, there is NO QUOTA SYSTEM. I work human resources for the state, there is NO QUOTA. We do not have to have a certain number of minorities. I wish people could get that through their heads. "

 stignob wrote on June 24, 2008 12:42 pm:
" Yes, the lefty will guide you too what they deem morally acceptable. Abortion, homosexuality and of course affirmative action. but don't you dare impose your "morality" on them, it'll be against freedom. Let's continue to keep people down and out by making them feel special with govt. entitlements. "

 People in Oklahoma and Missouri wrote on June 24, 2008 12:56 pm:
" are able to think for themselves and refused to sign the petition. Will Nebraska be left behind by thjese two states, just like in football? "

 Justice wrote on June 24, 2008 1:00 pm:
" Supporters of Affirmative Action claim that the petition and survey are misleading. How dull does someone have to be not to understand the difference between preferences and merit? Nebraska United will not oppose the petition on its merits, but fights back by scaring the public. Jeff says this will hurt university scholarships. Shouldn't the scholarships be given to the most qualified student? If they are private scholarships, you can give preferences all you want, but a state ran school should not be providing preferences based on race or gender. Justice agrees with Bill that affirmative action creates an excuse to others for the selection of minority candidates to a job. Did Mr. Smith get the job because he was the best qualified candidate or because his race gave him a preference? I guess no one will ever know. "

 Bob wrote on June 24, 2008 1:09 pm:
" Actually I have talked to a lot of folks from a wide variety of ethnic groups and not one of them has expressed a desire to see this initiative pass. Most of the people I have talked to understand the negative impact this initiative would have on education. Thousands of bright kids from underprivlegded circumstances would loose out on essential scholarships and grants so that kids from much better circumstances could add more scholarships to their list. "

 Misleading wrote on June 24, 2008 1:14 pm:
" Just like their petitioners aren't reading the object statement they don't use the object statement in their poll. "

 To Justice wrote on June 24, 2008 1:33 pm:
" Although I can't speak for Jeff, he said "But how many who said yes really understand the current implications it would have for Universities - such as scholarship programs, etc." The truth is, very few understand what the actual implications of this initiative would mean were it to be pass. As with most ballot initiatives, it is very poorly written law. It uses the term "preferences" which is only found one other place in the law: veterans preferences where veterans of our armed services can be given extra "points" (or a preference) for government positions, etc. So given that legal standard, no one can really predict exactly how this initiative would be implemented and interpreted.
As far as university scholarships are concerned, NO STATE MONEY IS GIVEN OUT ON THE BASIS OF RACE, GENDER, ETC! The only scholarships that have any sort of preferences other than the traditional measures of "merit" or "need" are those funded by private, donated money. Then the person or group who donates the money tells the university who/what types of students it can be given to. "

 noquota wrote on June 24, 2008 1:49 pm:
" here's the problem with affirmative action. when will it quite? exactly what is the criteria to indicate not enough bias is occurring to sustain this policy? some will say one race or gender discrimination is too much? how long does the american society pay the price for the mistakes of the past? "

 To Bob wrote on June 24, 2008 2:00 pm:
" If these kids you are worried about are so bright, they should be just fine. They will have access to scholarships based on their history and MERIT!!! (Not on their skin color or ethnic origins!!)

Be serious and level the playing field for EVERYONE. Not just exclusive groups which need our assitance and preferences to survive.

I want to see results from individuals, not excuses. "

 Eddie wrote on June 24, 2008 2:36 pm:
" To J, I think you are talking to a brick wall. Some of these people who are so for this petition don't really care what affirmative action, or Equal Employment is all about. I have been through many seminars and workshops on this topic as a person in a hiring position and I have to tell you, I have never been told I have to hire someone I did not want. And I have been involved in well over 50 hires. All they want is for me, the hiring authority, to hire the best person out there for the job. What a coincidence. That is what I want too. This was put into place to keep someone from hiring a less qualified individual when a superior minority is available. This only inhibits those who want to hire based on a racial, or sexual basis, as opposed to qualifications. Now, as tax payers, wouldn't you want the best person for the job as opposed to Ol' LeRoy hiring his neighbor, Jethro, just because of his skin color? "

 Steve wrote on June 24, 2008 2:48 pm:
" I'm not for affirmative action as it's against everything that I believe in, hard work pays off. By giving a job or scholarship to someone based on race, gender, etc. you have mocked all the hard work done by those who want to succeed. Base your decision on merit. If you want to continue affirmative action, then make it equal everywhere. That includes all sporting events, all scholarships have to divide equally among all the players based upon race. Therefore, a 12 man roster for basketball would have to 6 black, 6 white or 4 black, 4 white, 4 asian. You get my point, don't hand pick the items for affirmative action, either do it for everything or do it for nothing. Just image what the NBA/NFL would look like! "

 JB wrote on June 24, 2008 3:05 pm:
" Let's go by to the early 60's? These guys can take their money back to California. We aren't as stupid and narrow minded as they believe. "

 Marisol wrote on June 24, 2008 3:22 pm:
" Wilson Research Strategies? Do you mean the "Opinion research firm serving Republican candidates, conservative organizations, public affairs campaigns, and major corporations"? A quick Google search shows that. Ultimately, you have written an entire article designed to show the findings of a private, conservative, for-hire research group. How dare you call that *reporting*? Pandering is more like it. "

 Kristine wrote on June 24, 2008 3:41 pm:
" J and Eddie, I'm just thankful to read that at least TWO of you know what Affirmative Action is and means.
Of course, has anyone that understands things noticed how snooty people around her get towards people with college degrees? "

 E Jr wrote on June 24, 2008 3:46 pm:
" For years and years white males have been hired due to racial preferences over others more qualified. My guess is that if this law passes, white males will continue to receive preferential treatment, even more than they already do now. "

 Barry Freed wrote on June 24, 2008 3:51 pm:
" Wilson Research Strategies is known for doing corporate and Republican push polling. Further, they use such a small sample size that it makes the results irrelevant.

A minor question, however. The LJS article says 76% of blacks supporting ending affirmative action. The survey contained 4% African Americans - out of 500, this is 20 people. If 15 of those 20 African Americans surveyed said yes, that's 75%. If 16, that's 80%. How does one get a number like 76% if we're using real, whole, participants in this survey? "

 voter wrote on June 24, 2008 3:54 pm:
" most voters dont need affirmative action so of course they dont think its needed. "

 AA proponent wrote on June 24, 2008 4:12 pm:
" Until I can go more than a few days without hearing at least one white Nebraskan male make some derogatory comment about women or ethnic immigrants, I think affirmative action still has its place in this state. "

 Grundle wrote on June 24, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Underprivileged kids losing out on scholarships? Is poverty now reserved only for minorities? Nebraska has many counties that are primarily caucasian, but are very impoverished. If we want to give out scholarships based on socio-economic status, I'm all for it, so long as there is no racial component involved. Give the money to the brightest students who have the fewest resources to attend college. THAT would be a fair system, and would ensure that everyone has a truly 'equal opportunity'. "

 TT wrote on June 24, 2008 4:37 pm:
" I was approached by one of these folks, and he referred to the initiative as "ending preferential treatment." I love the word-spinning. The concept of affirmative action is NOT "preferential treatment" for non-white-males, but the opportunity to not be dismissed purely on the basis of not being white and male. Like it or not, prejudices still exist and the "Civil Rights Initiative" is perpetuating it. "

 Equality wrote on June 24, 2008 4:51 pm:
" It actually looks like many on this post even know what affirmative action even is. Affirmative action does not give preferences. Affirmative action gives equality when it comes to skin color. There are no quotas and no preferences....it is equal. Stop getting your news from your racist friends or AM radio. If there were ever a state that still needs Affirmative Action, It's Nebraska! "

 The tyrrany of the majority wrote on June 24, 2008 4:56 pm:
" I'm afraid this will get on the ballot and pass. Unfortunately, I also think many of you who do not support affirmative action are referring to some kind of quota system, and then the story goes that in order to fill the quota someone had to hire someone who was unqualified or less qualified than the one who didn't get the job. QUOTA SYSTEMS ARE NOT UPHELD BY THE LAW! THEY DO NOT EXIST! YOU ARE OUTRAGED AT SOMETHING THAT IS ALREADY ILLEGAL! There are other programs that most people support that WILL be affected and many others that may be affected. So what this will do is make you feel good that you passed an initiative to ban something that does not exist and lose something that you think is important.

Democracy is or should be irrelevant in this issue. There was a time when "most" people thought slavery a good idea and had Gallup taken a poll the majority would have said keep it. We need to have a measure to protect minority rights because it is moral and just, not only when it is popular but also if it is unpopular. "

 ALL KNOWING GUY wrote on June 24, 2008 5:00 pm:
" Affirmative Action is code for "Anti Straight, White Male." And it's sorely outdated. The U.S. population is about 13% Hispanic, 12% African American, 7% Asian, 3% Arab and 3% Other. About 52% of the U.S. population is female. About 2% is gay or lesbian. That means only about 23% of the country's population is white, straight and male. And you still need an advantage. Wake up. Sink or swim. "

 ALL KNOWING GUY wrote on June 24, 2008 5:02 pm:
" Affirmative Action is code for "Anti Straight, White Male." And it's sorely outdated. The U.S. population is about 13% Hispanic, 12% African American, 7% Asian, 3% Arab and 3% Other. About 52% of the U.S. population is female. About 2% is gay or lesbian. That means only about 23% of the country's population is white, straight and male. And the liberals still want a government-imposed advantage for so-called "minorities"? Wake up. Sink or swim. "

 mary wrote on June 24, 2008 5:18 pm:
" Starting in july all petition circulators must be residents of Nebraska. So long carpetbaggers!!! If you don't live here and are a registered voter you don't have an opinion. Good bye. "

 Of Course wrote on June 24, 2008 6:17 pm:
" Nebraskans love having Californians tell them what to do. Heck, Nebraska may even go blue this year! "

 Jim Crow wrote on June 24, 2008 6:29 pm:
" Let's see.Nationally, women make less money than men, blacks and Hispanics make less money than whites. Blacks are more likely to be discriminated against when they apply for apartments or home loans than whites. The list is endless. Who really believes racism sexism isn't a problem in this country and this state? White men and the brain dead. "

 T wrote on June 24, 2008 6:38 pm:
" I was one of those who was called concerning this, and no, I had not signed any petition for this (although I would if I ever came across someone with the petition). I also am in favor of this passing, so now you can say that you know someone who is in favor of this passing. Maybe you should get out of your office at UNL and you might meet someone in favor of this. "

 nathan wrote on June 24, 2008 6:55 pm:
" How many scholarships would actually be affected by this bill? I checked the Universities Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website and found a list of scholarships that are offered by the state, and I could not find a single ONE that appeared that it would be affected by this measure. The closest one was a NATIONAL Hispanic MERIT Scholarship. The majority of scholarships that people go to school on are PRIVATE, so they would be wholly unaffected by this measure anyway! The REAL issue in higher education is not race, but income. The University will admit ANYONE who meets their minimum standards, so we should focus on getting money to those who don't have it, not to those who are a certain race, gender or ethnicity. "

 JR wrote on June 24, 2008 7:12 pm:
" What is amazing to me is the fact that every one of the people who has written in support of this petition has stated a falsehood, or inaccurate information as their reason. How can so many people be so wrong? Where do they get this false information? It is not like this is a new program the government passed and is keeping secret. The material is available to every American to study for themselves.

I am sorry to say, I do believe people are relying on fear mongering, talk radio for their guidance. I also believe if a majority of these pro petition people would investigate a little, they would understand this is not about quotas, or hiring unqualified individuals over white males. This really is about hiring the best person for the job. If not, I certainly would not be for it, either "

 Greg wrote on June 24, 2008 7:40 pm:
" I signed it and I had no problem understanding what I was signing. Seemed pretty clear to me. "

 True Story wrote on June 24, 2008 9:34 pm:
" Back in the mid 80's I was in line for a promotion. Also in line was a man that was a minority. We were to take a written test to test our knowledge of the job. I was told by my supervisor that because of Affirmative Action in order for me to get the promotion I would need to out score the minority gentleman by 20%.
So was my supervisor saying that minorities are 20% less intelligent than a non minority? This makes Affirmative Action seem counter productive to me. "

 J P S wrote on June 24, 2008 9:45 pm:
" All I have to say is F A N T A S T I C !!!! "

 brian wrote on June 24, 2008 10:11 pm:
" so if affirmative action gives no preferences, no quotas, no hiring lines, why do we need it in the first place? i have been part of several hiring/promotion boards while employed by the state, and guess what i never got-bonus points for being white male. however, a woman that i was in competition with got two points for being hispanic female. how do i know? i asked to see her promotion packet, and compared to see how the point system worked. don't tell me that theres no way to make sure minorities get help. "

 Jose J. Soto wrote on June 24, 2008 11:25 pm:
" For the record:

1) I am not one of those 64 percent of Hispnics (who are alleged to) support ending ((affirmative action)," nor do any of the dozens of Hispanics/Lations who I know personally and professionally in Nebraska.

2) Not one of those 76 percent of blacks (who are alleged to) support ending (affirmative action)" has ever shared that opinion with me, or stated it in any public forum anywhere.

3) Not only did the petition initiaves in Missouri and Oklahoma fail, they were alleged to have engage in activities and tactics that bordered on fraud, deception, and misleading toward those who signed the petitions. Similar accusations are being investigated in Colorado, and will more than likely be pursued in Nebraska.

4) While the effects and desirability of affirmative action have often been debated, maligned, and are often misrepresented, the fact remains that used appropriately affirmative action is legal, enjoys broad-based support from leaders in the military, executives in the business and industry sector, our politicians, and leadership within education.

5) Continued use of affirmative action in employment and contracting is necessary to help break down barriers to opportunity that still exist, and to ensure that all Americans have a fair chance to demonstrate their talents and abilities. Despite our best efforts over the years, inequalities and disparities remain, and, thus, the need to continue our affirmative action efforts. "

 Basic Math wrote on June 25, 2008 8:24 am:
" If 71% of your respondents say they support ending racial and gender preferences, and only 44% say they'll vote for your initiative - that says almost 30% of people who support ending preferences don't equate ending preferences with the initiative. It's funny that they're highlighting that 71% as opposed to the comparatively meager 44% they get when they actually ask about the initiative. "

 MarkyMark wrote on June 25, 2008 8:24 am:
" Just because the Mainstream Conservative Media calls AA, preferences doesn't mean it's right. AA eliminates discrimination due to race and gender. I have to laugh at the White Male hicks who claim they never got any preferential treatment. Closed minds is half the problem here and in the rest of the States. "

 Grundle wrote on June 25, 2008 8:31 am:
" Since when did Affirmative Action address pay discrepancies? It doesn't, it addresses hiring practices. If a white employee and a minority employee both hold positions with equal rank and are equally qualified, but the white employee makes more, then you would have a case for discrimination...but it would NOT be handled through affirmative action.

Affirmative action does involve preferences. If you have equally qualified candidates for a job, you're basically obligated to give preference to the minority candidate solely because he/she is a minority. How is that not a preference?

I also chuckle at the accusations of fraud and misleading tactics against the petition circulators...especially because the opponents of the petition have engaged in fraudulent and misleading tactics, themselves, and yet the anti-petition folks turn a blind eye to that. Talk about discrimination... "

 Dom wrote on June 25, 2008 8:38 am:
" There is no point system. Chances are, the other person was a better hire, or your boss was trying to motivate you to do better.

And to Brian - I doubt very much you were able to see the other person's promotion packet as all records are confidential and if your supervisor did show you the packet, you should report them and they should be fired. "

 J wrote on June 25, 2008 9:28 am:
" I think only about 3 people that have commented on here actually know what affirmative action is. Go look it up on a FACT BASED website or book. Seriously. It makes me sad to see that people just do not get what AA really is and why we need it.

It's not so that the black woman gets the job over you even though you are more qualified, it's to make sure that the black woman doesn't keep getting passed over even though she's a better candidate.

Wake up, Nebraska! "

 JB wrote on June 25, 2008 10:33 am:
" A bias survey done by a right wing organization and paid for by a right wing group from California, the land of "fruits and nuts". Just another group trying to "buy" the uneducated. "

 Ha wrote on June 25, 2008 12:14 pm:
" AA has never served me. I'm educated, black, female and disabled and still can't get a job in this stupid city. "

 Hey JB wrote on June 25, 2008 12:31 pm:
" The group that's heading up the effort in California is led by a black guy. I'm curious to know how many left wing groups are in California compared to right wing groups, seeing how California is mostly Democrat. "

 P. Robert wrote on June 25, 2008 12:33 pm:
" Why would anyone want to work for a company that does not hire the best based on performance? Companies that practice discrimination and don't hire the best candidates will not end up with the best people and this will show up in their performance. They will pay the price. Let the market work this out.....a law is not going to change people's prejudices. We don't need legislation or affirmative action. People need to recognize organizations that do discriminate and go to work for a company that does it right. They will attract the best and then everyone will have to follow to compete. "

 John wrote on June 25, 2008 1:39 pm:
" Even southerns in Oklahoma and Missouri had enough brains to not sign their petitions. "

 Read wrote on June 25, 2008 2:34 pm:
" By reading these posts, you can see AA is still needed in Nebraska. Racism is all around us and most people dont even seem to know what affirmative action is. "

 Lame Duck wrote on June 26, 2008 2:34 pm:
" It would be wonderful to see a bit more community-oriented debate
regarding the proposed affirmative action ban. Most people seem to react
to the issue based on their own narrow self interests instead of considering what might be best for society as a whole. I would not vote for the ban(though
I'd likely sign the petition) because as a Caucasian I don't feel I should speak for others and do firmly believe anyhow that most properly managed diversity efforts make things economically, socially and educationally better for everyone. "

Ads by Yahoo!