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EXPAND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY--VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 107

Some people believe that adding points to test scores of applicants to public universities, or awarding public contracts based on race or ethnicity, is "affirmative action." But it is really discrimination, and it is wrong.

Not only that, it doesn't help the people it is intended to help: the most disadvantaged members of society. My colleague Mark Flatten at the Goldwater Institute recently exposed a Sky Harbor Airport program that was supposed to aid disadvantaged businesses, but instead provided lucrative contracts to politically connected businesses because their owners are members of specified minority groups. This is not affirmative action, it is fraud.

True affirmative action means helping people who have had to overcome disadvantages, regardless of their race or ethnicity. States such as Florida, Texas, and California have banned racial preferences, yet have increased opportunities by rewarding individuals who work hard and overcome obstacles. That is true affirmative action, and it begins in earnest only when government no longer has the power to substitute it with racial preferences.

We have the chance in Arizona to set the standard for equal opportunity. But we must first get our state and local governments out of the sordid business of classifying people on the basis of race and ethnicity and awarding opportunities on that basis. We can do that by voting yes on Proposition 107.

Clint Bolick, Attorney, Phoenix

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"The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting." How could Proposition 107 be clearer? EVERYONE should be treated equally. That's why the four of us that had the chance to refer this to the ballot in 2009, did so heartily -- had the other been in office then, he would have too!

Proposition 107 mirrors the colorblind language of the 1964 Civil Rights Act by commanding equal treatment under the law. There are government entities in Arizona that categorize people by race and based upon such classification administer preferences to them. For example, the cities of Phoenix and Tucson have policies that allow minority contractors to bid higher amounts and still be considered the low bid. How is this justified?... So-called "enhancing diversity."

Huh? It is already blatantly unconstitutional for government to not choose a woman or minority because they are such. So all these government preferences are saying is women, minorities, people of color aren't good enough to create a natural, genuine diversity on the merits. This is not only patronizing and insulting, it is pure bunk.

Proposition 107 only applies to public education, public hiring and public contracting. The aim is to ensure that all Arizonans are treated equally by the government. No person should be entitled to "special" programs solely based on their race or sex.

Arizonans are fair-minded. The suggestion by the opposition to Proposition 107 that women and minorities cannot be educated or get a job without government interference is condescending, sexist and racist.

Vote Yes on Proposition 107 to insist government treat all citizens equally and fairly.

Frank Antenori, State Senator, Tucson	Al Melvin, State Senator, Tucson	David Gowan, State Representative, Sierra Vista
David Stevens, State Representative, Sierra Vista	Ted Vogt, State Representative, Tucson

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Once again Arizona stands poised to set the right example for America. I implore that you embrace and Vote for the Civil Rights Initiative to ensure equal opportunity for all. As firefighters we had to take our case all the way to the Supreme Court to ensure that our leaders were selected based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The belief that citizens should be reduced to racial statistics is flawed and only divides people who don't wish to be divided along racial lines.

While diversity is an important goal, it has become a code word for a quota system that thrives on mediocrity. Especially in public safety the public has the right to know that the men and women who serve were selected fairly and equitably. There are no due overs on the scene of an emergency. Officials must not only provide appropriate direction to safely mitigate the incident, they also must ensure that their members are trained and competent to answer the next alarm. Moreover this initiative leaves in place all of the protections against discrimination. No one should be given an unfair advantage. Low expectations are also a form of bigotry that results in low performance holding individuals back and harming all races. No one should obtain a position or contract under a cloud of suspicion it only sets them up for failure. Anyone regardless of race can succeed in America.

Achievement is neither limited nor determined by race but by skills, dedication, commitment, and character. Arizona has an opportunity to ensure equal opportunity, by voting for "The Civil Rights Initiative" . Chief Justice Roberts stated " The Way to Stop Discrimination on the Basis of Race Is to Stop Discriminating on the Basis of Race ."

Frank Ricci, Wallingford, Connecticut

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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." So proclaims the Declaration of Independence, America's founding statement of ideals. Although we would now say "men and women", there is nothing in these words that could be otherwise improved upon. No principle comes closer to the heart of what America means, or has contributed more to our national success.

A YES vote on Proposition 107 is simply a reaffirmation of this basic ideal. It gives to every Arizonan assurance that he or she will be judged solely by virtue of achievement and character, not color, ancestry, or sex. In so doing, it will spur all to do their best. It will also prevent politicians and bureaucrats from pitting group against group, doling out favors to some and withholding them from others. Social harmony depends on all individuals believing their rights are held in common, not bestowed on the basis of the accidents of birth.

The National Association of Scholars believes that equal treatment is especially crucial in higher education. A college degree only has value when it is perceived as having been fairly earned. Moreover, it is as students that our young men and women come to full knowledge of America's heritage of rights and freedoms. By making higher education a color- and gender-coded experience, this comprehension is undermined.

America's fundamental ideals get renewed each generation through education. Vote YES on Proposition 107 to ensure that they are renewed intact.

Stephen H. Balch, Chairman, National Association of Scholars, Princeton, New Jersey

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ARGUMENTS "AGAINST" PROPOSITION 107

AAUW Arizona's Argument against Proposition 107

Arizona Civil Rights Referendum

AAUW (American Association of University Women) Arizona is a non-partisan organization that works to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Throughout Arizona, AAUW sponsors programs that educate and prepare young women for leadership roles in their communities and in the state. If the proposed referendum is adopted it will dismantle Arizona's successful equal opportunities programs and endanger our state's ability to educate the diverse workforce needed to attract new businesses and improve our state's economy. Arizona would be deprived of valuable programs that help girls to prepare for college, and women to enter math, science and engineering fields, programs such as YWCA Bright Futures Program; Arizona State University Women in Science Program (WISE); and the City of Phoenix Teen Parents Program.

Two years ago this same deceptively-named amendment to the Arizona Constitution was proposed for Arizona by an out-of-state group that failed to register a sufficient number of valid signatures for it to appear on the ballot. Prop 107, more accurately called the "anti-equal opportunity referendum," would amend Arizona's Constitution to prohibit equal opportunity programs in our state. Prop 107 deceptively claims to "level the playing field," but there is no level playing field in educational programs, jobs, and businesses where girls, women and people of color are under-represented. Equal opportunity programs offer the help that they need to achieve their aspirations and become productive citizens.

AAUW AZ opposes Prop 107 because of its negative impact, particularly on women and their families, and on the future of our state. It would be a giant step backward. We urge you to vote NO.

Sara Wolters, President, American Association of University Women Arizona, Prescott Valley	Frances Connors, Recording Secretary, American Association of University Women Arizona, Scottsdale
Paid for by American Association of University Women Arizona

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Argument Against PROP 107

Anti-Equal Opportunity Initiative

PROP 107, better known as the Anti-Equal Opportunity initiative, will eliminate important programs that ensure academic success for Arizona's students. Today's students are the workforce of the future. Without programs that help students learn study skills, access internships, and prepare for the workplace, Arizona's students will fall behind.

Passage of PROP 107 will eliminate many programs that support academic progress and improved student achievement. Among those programs is WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), an ASU-sponsored program that supports women studying math, science, technology, and engineering. WISE provides extracurricular programs in the field, helps students apply for internships and jobs, and supports young women through the application process for graduate programs. Also on the chopping block would be Upward Bound, a program designed to help college students learn study habits, enroll in the right classes, and prevent dropouts. Upward Bound will be eliminated because it is designed for low-income students of color. The Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program will also be eliminated. This program provides Hispanic girls in grades 7-12 and their mothers five years of preparation for college.

Arizona's diverse student population is served well by these and many other programs like them. The Arizona Education Association requests that you vote NO on PROP 107.

John Wright, President, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix	Andrew Morrill, Vice President, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix
Paid for by AEA Education Improvement Fund

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PREFERRED TREATMENT OR DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITION - CON STATEMENT

The League of Women Voters of Arizona is opposed to Proposition 107, which would actually be an anti-equal opportunity amendment to the Arizona Constitution.

The LWVAZ thinks that everyone in Arizona should have an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of race or gender. Furthermore, the LWVAZ thinks that the passage of this initiative would be bad for Arizona and particularly for Arizona women and girls.

The LWVAZ believes that all qualified candidates should get a fair chance to compete for jobs or obtain an education based on individual merit, not special connections. Proposition 107 would turn back the clock to a society of "good old boy" networks where women and people of color routinely face discrimination.

The LWVAZ stands for openness and honesty in the political process. We believe in transparency in all aspects of government, and dislike this overt effort to confuse voters. The LWVAZ opposes this attempt to dismantle programs that work today and will continue to do so for Arizona's future.

The LWVAZ stands united with women and men from across the state to make our fellow citizens aware of the adverse implications of this proposition and ask them to vote "NO" on Proposition 107.

Dr. Bonnie F. Saunders, President, League of Women Voters of Arizona, Surprise	Dr. Barbara Klein, 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Arizona, Scottsdale
Paid for by League of Women Voters of Arizona

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Argument against Referendum 107

Arizona Civil Rights Initiative

The title "Arizona Civil Rights Initiative" in and of itself is deceptive. This effort is managed and funded by out-of-state interests, spearheaded by California businessman Ward Connerly. It takes away rights and programs which have served Arizona well in the past and which are important to an invigorated and forward-thinking Arizona economic future.

The Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative will change Arizona's Constitution to prohibit the state (and local governments, schools and universities) from offering any type of equal opportunity programs to women and people of color in Arizona. Among the programs which would be eliminated if the Connerly Initiative is passed are ASU's Bridges to Biomedical Careers Program, the Phoenix Teen Parents program, the Commission on the Prevention of Violence Against Women, the YWCA Bright Futures program, the New Start Summer program and ASU's Women in Science Education (WISE) program.

The Greater Phoenix Urban League's mission is about truth and fairness. The Connerly Initiative is about neither. We request that you vote No on Referendum 107.

George Dean, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Phoenix	Diana Gregory, Chair, Board of Directors, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Phoenix
Paid for by Greater Phoenix Urban League

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I am Chairman of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board and our board opposes the Arizona Civil Rights Referendum. Recently, our board heard presentations from leaders on both sides of this issue. After careful consideration of the facts that were presented by both sides, a quorum of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board voted unanimously in opposition of the Arizona Civil Rights Referendum.

The Arizona Civil Rights Board is a politically balanced volunteer body appointed by the Arizona Governor and authorized under AR.S. §41-1402(A) to make periodic surveys of the existence and effect of discrimination in the enjoyment of civil rights by any person within the state of Arizona, to foster the elimination of discrimination through community effort, and to issue publications of the results of studies, investigations and research as in our judgment will tend to promote goodwill and the elimination of discrimination between persons because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, familial status or national origin.

Referendum 107 amends the Arizona Constitution to eliminate rights and programs which have served Arizona well, programs which are even more important today for Arizona's long-term economic future.

"Quotas" don't exist in Arizona. State employers are already prohibited from considering race or gender in hiring practices. A person cannot be admitted or denied admission to any of Arizona's community colleges or universities based on race or gender in Arizona. The programs we have in place in Arizona schools today are provided only after students have been accepted based on academic merit.

Programs threatened by Referendum 107 include ASU's Bridges to Biomedical Careers and Women in Science Education Programs, the Phoenix Teen Parents program, the Commission on the Prevention of Violence against Women and others.

I urge all Arizonans to vote "No" on the Arizona Civil Rights Referendum. Thank you.

Jeff Lavender, Casa Grande

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Vote No on Prop 107

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber opposes Prop 107. This proposition will limit the opportunities for women and minority owned businesses in our state to win state, county and local procurement contracts.

Pima County and the City of Tucson recently completed a Disparity Study that found there is a statistically significant disparity between the utilization and availability of minority owned firms in many race classifications when awarding contracts. The study also identified that women and minority owned firms (MWBE) showed a substantial decline when not able to participate in MWBE goals programs in other states.

All firms should receive an equal opportunity to compete for contracts. The existing preferential point system is a necessity for MWBE firms. The aforementioned study found that MWBE firms may lack key procurement business relationships and consequently be left off of preferred vendor lists without such a system. Without a MWBE goal program the usage of such firms would be drastically reduced. Our state still needs to improve - the study found that during a five-year period, MWBE firms received only 9.8% of all contracts in the general equipment and supplies category. The passing of Prop 107 will further limit opportunities for our over 50,000 Hispanic owned firms and other MWBE firms in our State.

Our business community is also concerned that the passing of such legislation will drastically affect the recruitment and retention of Hispanic and other ethnic minority students at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. Our state cannot afford the additional negative publicity that this bill will bring especially after the passing of SB1070 and the ethnic studies bill.

Please vote no on Prop 107.

Lea Marquez Peterson, President, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tucson	Bill Holmes, Past Chairman of the Board, Tucson Hispanic Chamber, Tucson
Paid for by Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

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Oppose Proposition 107 and Protect the Public's Health

The Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA) strongly opposes Proposition 107 as it will further increase health disparities in Arizona. Although the overall health of the population has improved, racial and ethnic minorities generally experience higher rates of preventable illness and death than non-minorities. For example, American Indians disproportionately die from diabetes, liver disease, and unintentional injuries; Hispanic Americans are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to die from diabetes; and, some Asian-American subpopulations experience rates of stomach, liver and cervical cancers that are well above national averages. This proposition will prevent minorities from receiving the prevention and treatment they need. It will also prevent organizations from receiving grants that focus on helping such populations. This one size fits all approach will not improve the public's health, but will instead cause further health disparities.

Please Vote NO on Proposition 107 and Protect the Public's Health.

The Voice of Public Health

Jennifer Bonnett, Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association, Phoenix	Ellen Owens Summo, President Elect, Arizona Public Health Association, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Public Health Association

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NO on PROP 107.

• PROP 107 is built on fraud and deception.

The deceivingly positive naming of PROP 107 as the "Arizona Civil Rights Amendment" and its false promises of equality are intended to mislead the voting public. PROP 107 has nothing to do with the improvement or furtherance of civil rights. In fact, it will have serious, long-term, negative effects in this state. Moreover, its original proponent is not an Arizona resident. Instead of seeking what is best for this state, he is using Arizona to further a strictly personal agenda that greatly benefits him financially. Across the nation, when this same proponent presented a similar initiative, he received support from the Ku Klux Klan. That endorsement speaks loudly about where PROP 107 can be expected to take the state. PROP 107 is very plainly a wolf in sheep's clothing.

• The damage forecasted for Arizona from PROP 107 is irreparable.

Though initially presented as being positive, similar measures across the United States have had a devastating impact on their communities once passed into law. Most significantly, they have returned access to business, education, and employment opportunities to a "good ol' boys" network. With women and minorities collectively making up almost 75% of the population in Arizona, PROP 107 will negatively affect the everyday lives of a substantial majority of Arizona's citizens.

In Arizona, diversity is important to attracting the best companies and the highest paying jobs for all citizens. Large, successful, multinational companies recognize the need to have a dynamic and diverse workforce. Should PROP 107 become law in this state, our reputation as a state unfriendly to diversity will highly discourage new businesses and investment from coming to Arizona at a time when that is exactly what is needed.

NO on PROP 107.

Salvador Ongaro, President, Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, Tempe	Margarita Silva, Recording Secretary, Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, Phoenix
Paid for by Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association

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Proposition 107, the misnamed "Arizona Civil Rights Initiative," was initiated by an outsider group and does not address the current needs, problems, and values of Arizonans. Arizona's community colleges and universities serve all Arizonans and boast a diverse student population in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic backgrounds. Successful outreach and retention programs at Arizona's community colleges and universities help produce this diversity, while complying with existing federal and state civil rights laws that protect all Arizonans. Recruitment programs reach under-represented groups to inform them of educational opportunities in the state, familiarize them with financial aid options, and help them prepare for college-level work. Once enrolled, students benefit from academic support programs offered in a student-friendly and culturally-sensitive environment. Proposition 107 is an overbroad measure that would change our state laws unnecessarily, and in ways that may jeopardize these locally grown programs, with no off-setting advantage for our state. For example, the University of Arizona's nationally respected Women in Science and Engineering Program (WISE) would be affected adversely. Established in 1976, WISE motivates girls and women to enter careers in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology where they are very under-represented. Through academic training, mentoring, internships, and scholarships, WISE improves the lives of many girls from middle school and beyond. Recruitment, "pipeline," and retention programs such as WISE help address existing inequalities in ways that benefit all Arizonans. In 2009, over 38,000 students were enrolled at the University of Arizona, and of that number 52% were female, and 30.4% were minority. This balance reflects our state demographics and could change if Proposition 107 becomes part of the Arizona Constitution. Voters should reject Proposition 107 because it would place many worthy programs at risk--lawful programs that address existing inequalities while promoting the best interests of all Arizonans.

Barbara A. Atwood, Tucson

Toni M. Massaro, Tucson

Jane B. Korn, Tucson

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Arizona NOW is opposed to Prop 107. This initiative is not about protecting civil rights or ending discrimination as claimed, but is designed to end all programs intended to achieve equal opportunity for women and minorities.

The National Organization for Women is dedicated to achieving equality of treatment, equality of opportunity, and equal pay for women. Historically, women and minorities have been denied the right to vote, property rights, and access to higher education. They were passed over in hiring and promotion and consigned to low-paying, dead-end jobs that resulted in much higher rates of poverty. Things are better now, but we have not yet overcome the many generations of discrimination. Women in Arizona still make only 77 cents for every dollar made by a man in a similar job. They are still more likely to live in poverty and to lack basic necessities such as health insurance.

Prop 107, promoted by wealthy out-of-state interests seeking to make us a national test case, would end all state programs that try to improve this situation. We would no longer be able to fund programs that seek to prevent violence against women. We could no longer encourage women and minority-owned business to compete for state contracts. We could no longer encourage and support women students seeking to enter the high-paying (and economically vital) fields of science and engineering.

Denying equal opportunity to a large segment of our population weakens our entire society and makes all of us poorer. Vote NO on Prop 107 .

Eric Ehst, Policy Coordinator (President), Arizona National Organization for Women, Phoenix	Karen Van Hooft, Political Action Coordinator (Vice President), Arizona National Organization for Women, Scottsdale
Paid for by Phoenix-Scottsdale Chapter National Organization for Women

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Arizona Women's Political Caucus and it's Chapters' Argument Against PROP 107 Arizona Civil Rights Initiative,

The Arizona Women's Political Caucus (AWPC), and its chapters in Tucson and the Greater Phoenix areas, work to help women attain leadership positions at all levels of government, improve the status of all Arizona women and educate and train young women to assume leadership roles in the future. PROP 107, the so-called "Arizona Civil Rights Initiative," is counter to AWPC principles and the progress made for women and girls in Arizona today. AWPC opposes this out-of-state effort to dismantle Arizona's effective equal opportunity programs.

PROP 107, more accurately called the "Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative," will amend Arizona's Constitution to eliminate equal opportunity programs in our state. If the Connerly Initiative passes, Arizona will lose highly valued programs that help women who are victims of domestic violence, women who are single mothers trying to get off welfare, women who need assistance preparing for college or women in math, science, and engineering programs. Some specific programs at risk if the Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative passes are: the Commission on Prevention of Violence Against Women, the Phoenix Teen Parents program, the YWCA Bright Futures Program, the Commission on Healthy Women and Families, the New Start Summer program and the Women in Science and Engineering Education program.

PROP 107 would be a giant step backward for women, girls and people of color in Arizona. It is bad for Arizona's future. We respectfully request your NO vote.

Becky Gaspar, President, Arizona Women's Political Caucus and its Chapters, Phoenix	Eleanor Eisenberg, President, Arizona Women's Political Caucus, GP Chapter, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Women's Political Caucus

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Against Proposition 107

Proposition 107 would make equal opportunity illegal in Arizona, eliminating current educational, employment and contracting programs that help people of color and all women succeed. The sponsors of this bill have themselves identified many ways in which communities in Arizona will be harmed if the measure becomes law. Many of the programs potentially at risk from this anti-opportunity proposition are outside of the areas traditionally considered subjects of equal opportunity.

For example: Proposition 107 would eliminate programs designed to encourage girls interested in math and science to pursue careers in those fields and scholarships targeted to encourage people of color to enter medical careers in underserved communities, or to become K-12 teachers.

From 1996 to 2006, after the passage of a similar proposition in California, the number of underrepresented minority freshman in the entering class at the University of California fell 65%. At UCLA, the drop in minority enrollment in the freshman class during that same decade was 45%. The declining rates came at the same time that the population of the state is increasingly diverse.

Significant harm could also occur to contracting opportunities for people of color and women in Arizona. For example, data from Grand Rapids, Michigan (after implementation of a similar measure) show construction project dollars going to minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) declined by 45% and the amount going to women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) dropped by 70%.

The effort to end equality and opportunity programs is bound to damage the economic status of women and people of color and undermine growth of our communities. Helping to strengthen communities helps us all, because we're all in this together. When communities fail, they become a public burden - but when they succeed, it's a public benefit.

Miguel Zazueta, Treasurer, WE CAN! The Equality and Opportunity Committee Opposing Prop 107, Tucson

Paid for by WE CAN! The Equality and Opportunity Committee Opposing Prop 107

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Vote No on PROP 107

Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the country, is a city that is recognized around the world for achieving great things. The City of Phoenix values and respects the diversity of our residents, our employees and all people. Phoenix is a city that is proud to solve problems and find solutions when problems exist. PROP 107 is an out-of-state "solution" looking for a problem that does not exist in Arizona. As the Mayor of the City of Phoenix I oppose the Connerly initiative.

The Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative would eliminate City and State programs that are key to a stronger Phoenix and a stronger Arizona. Top among the programs scheduled to be eliminated are educational opportunity programs which prepare a diverse group of emerging leaders to take us into the Arizona of the future. It's time to look forward, not back.

In addition to educational diversity programs, the Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative would eliminate important programs which are important to the citizens of Phoenix including:

• the Phoenix Teen Parents Program to help teen mothers learn work skills to get off welfare;
• Phoenix Domestic Violence Prevention programs;
• the Phoenix Women's Commission which addresses economic, political and social concerns and challenges facing all women today;
• Phoenix programs to assist young people of color with basic needs to attend school and their families with information about domestic violence, education, nutrition and finance.

I urge my fellow Arizonans to vote no on PROP 107 and its outsider politics of division and deception. Together we can accomplish great things.

Phil Gordon, Mayor, City of Phoenix, Phoenix

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Don't be fooled by the wording of Prop.107! Its' deceptive legal jargon may sound appealing to many, though as you peel the layers of the onion, you will find the TRUTH. Prop. 107 will wipe out important programs originally mandated by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 designed for Women, Minorities and the Disabled. Prop.107 is sponsored by the same "Stormfront Fringe Movement" who sponsored SB1070 and the banning of the Ethnic Studies Program. Proponents of Prop. 107 are eternally dedicated to reversing the positive changes implemented by the Civil Rights Movement that Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez and John F. Kennedy and millions of others fought and have lost their lives for.

Looking at Prop.107's previous passage in other states, such as CA, we can expect the passage of Proposition 107 to have lasting negative effects in AZ. Diversity in our state schools will disappear. Our state universities, which are responsible for a significant portion of our state economy, will experience a sharp drop in applications from in-state and out-of-state students, particularly from students fearing a racially intolerant climate in Arizona (as we have already seen happen to The University of Arizona in response to the passage of SB 1070). Federal funding awarded to the state specifically for the purposes of increasing racial diversity in public schools and the private sector may disappear. Gender and ethnic studies programs at our universities - such as Women Studies, Chicano Studies, African-American Studies, Native-American Studies and Asian Pacific American Studies - may cease to exist. In short, Arizona stands to lose a lot of state money, a return to the segregation days of the 1960's, and lessens the chances for Women and Minorities to achieve EQUALITY and attain the American Dream. Vote No on Prop.107!

Emmett Alvarez, Tucson

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Proposition 107 is not a Civil Rights Amendment for Arizona

This deceptively named measure would stop any efforts by Arizona's governmental entities to reduce racial and gender bias. Although progress has been made, Arizona needs more diversity in its government offices, corporate boardrooms and University graduation classes to better reflect the state's true demographics. Sometimes people need incentives to do what is right. Without programs of equal opportunity in place, it will be too easy to fall back on the exclusionary practices of the past.

Proposition 107 pretends to be something it is not. Don't be fooled. Vote no.

Ann Wallack, Chair, Maricopa County Democratic Party, Phoenix

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PROPOSITION 107 ~ BALLOT FORMAT

BALLOT FORMAT

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION BY THE LEGISLATURE RELATING TO PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OR DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITION [HCR 2019]

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Arizona; amending article II, by adding section 36, Constitution of Arizona; relating to preferential treatment or discrimination prohibition.

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE PROHIBITS THE STATE FROM GRANTING PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO OR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST ANY PERSON OR GROUP ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, COLOR, ETHNICITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN; EXEMPTS REASONABLY NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS BASED ON SEX, EXISTING COURT ORDERS AND ACTIONS THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

A "yes" vote shall have the effect of prohibiting the State from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against any person or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. The prohibition applies to preferences or discrimination in public employment, education or contracting. It exempts reasonably necessary qualifications based on sex, existing court orders and actions that would result in the loss of federal funds. The State includes state government, local governments, public colleges and universities, community colleges and school districts.			YES
A "no" vote shall have the effect of retaining the current law regarding preferential treatment to or discrimination against any person or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education or contracting.			NO