The National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People (NAACP) Board of Directors approved
several resolutions that address the impact of the September
terrorist attacks. The resolutions call on Congress to pass
laws that increase benefits for displaced workers, change
U.S. immigration policies and safeguard civil liberties. The
actions were taken on October 20 during the group’s national
board of directors and trustees meeting in Los Angeles.
Kweisi Mfume, NAACP President and CEO said, “As Americans
stand united and defend the ideals of a free and open
society, the NAACP is mindful that there is still much work to
be done to make this a great democracy for everyone. The
aftermath of the terrorist devastation has brought to light
the compelling need for our government to provide assistance
to the scores of working men, women and families affected
by the attacks and not just the corporations.”
The NAACP resolution in support of assisting airline and
related industry workers displaced since the September 11
tragedy calls for passage of a bi-partisan economic stimulus
package that puts workers on equal footing with corporate
executives and airline stockholders who are already targeted
to receive a bailout totaling $15 billion in federal taxpayer
money. The measure insists that the stimulus package
include full funding for job training programs; extended
resources to expand federal support to cover unemployment
insurance at a livable rate for a newly expanded
unemployment pool; increased support and eligibility for
programs such as food stamps and healthcare coverage for
families.
Another resolution would safeguard civil liberties as the
government moves to strengthen anti-terrorism laws by
increasing homeland security. While the NAACP strongly
supports efforts to aggressively address and eliminate future
potential attacks on our freedom, it strongly urges lawmakers
and administrators to be mindful of the need to vigorously
protect and strengthen the civil rights and civil liberties of all
Americans as any new legislation or agencies are created.
The uncertainty brought on by the terrorist attacks has led
an increased number of immigrants to file for permanent U.S.
citizenship. In the resolution approved by the
Board concerning immigration policy, the NAACP stressed that
U.S. immigration polices must be color-blind and fair and
plans to lobby Congress in support of equity and fairness.
The NAACP calls on Congress and the Bush administration to
pass legislation that adheres to principles that prevent
exploitation; reward work; keep families together; promote
public health and educational opportunities and encourage
civic participation.
The Board also voted to oppose the nomination of Gerald
Reynolds to serve as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of
the U.S. Department of Education. A NAACP review of
Reynolds’ record, indicates that his hostility to the laws and
policies he would be charged with enforcing make him totally
unsuitable for the position. The position is responsible for
developing departmental civil rights policy, monitoring
recipients of departmental funds for compliance with
anti-discrimination laws, supervising desegregation efforts,
investigating complaints of discrimination and bringing
administrative actions.
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