March 23, 1995
If the so-called "Civil Rights Initiative" passes, it could mean the end of SF State's affirmative action programs.
When a program is no longer mandated by law, the state stops paying for it.
It would be the university's decision whether to continue an affirmative action program on its own.
SF State is one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, largely due to strong affirmative action programs. This campus needs a program to continue to attract culturally and racially diverse students, faculty and staff.
Supporters of the proposed initiative say the bill will base hiring and enrollment practices purely on merit. But in this case, underrepresented, qualified candidates would have, as in the past, less opportunity to become part of the pool to have their merit considered.
What commitment does this university have to affirmative action?
After waiting six years to hire a new affirmative action director, SF State administrators progressively chose to hire a disabilities affirmative action director as well, even though it was not mandated by law or paid for by the state.
SF State's current affirmative action program provides opportunity to all qualified candidates, regardless of color, race, gender, age or disability.
This progressive action is what sets SF State apart from other universities. If the bill passes, the university could find a way to provide current programs and continue to work to provide equal opportunity for all.
But only if it is made a priority.