Banning affirmative action in Oklahoma is an indirect way of saying, "Watch out minorities and women! You will be targeted!" Over the summer, the Oklahoma State Legislature passed the State Question 759, which if the majority approves in 2012, will prohibit the implementation of affirmative action. Here is how SQ 759 will appear on next year's ballot:
"This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds a new section 36 to Article II. It will not allow special treatment or discrimination based on race or sex in public employment, education or contracts. It gives exceptions for some situations. It sets out remedies for violations.”
Do not be fooled by what it promises because this will only result in Oklahoma's loss. States that have banned affirmative action have seen a decrease in the population of minorities and women in colleges, universities, and jobs. For example, in California, at UC Davis, the percentage of new faculty hires dramatically dropped from 52% of women to 13%. Similarly, in Washington State, after affirmative action was restricted, the share of Seattle public works contracts awarded to women or minority owned firms dropped by 25%. In fact, the numbers of black and Latino students drop 16 to 17 percent at schools with affirmative action bans.
Personally, I believe, considering the time the whole United States is in, any loss will be destructive. As these statistics show, SQ 759 is a terrible trap that we might get caught in if we do not vote against it on 2012's ballot!
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