by Scott Mac Kay
News Editor
Understanding the social impact and intent of California Proposition 209 is the focus of a panel discussion to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Mainiero Building, room 156.
Proposition 209 titled Prohibition against discrimination or preferential treatment by state and other public entities. Initiative constitutional amendment, was passed in the Nov. 5 election with a 55 percent popular vote.
“Its a faculty, staff, and student open forum on Prop. 209,” said Mary Prieto-Bayard, assistant professor of behavioral science. “The major questions we will address are: How did this come to be? What are the implications and where do we go from here?”
Dr. Prieto-Bayard will co-chair the panel with Dr. Richard Rose, assistant professor of religion and philosophy.
“I’m hoping with Prop. 209 we don’t forget what the Civil Rights Movement was about,” said Dr. Rose, “I have concerns with affirmative action, but we don’t need to do away with it completely.”
“Students should be aware of the long lasting implications and social effects,” said Dr. Prieto-Bayard. “What it means to state education, lower education, the job market and social culture we are creating.”
The discussion will begin with a introduction by Dr. Stephen Morgan, president of the University of La Verne. The panel will consist of Harvel Lewis, coordinator of minority affairs, Britt Ortiz, First Generation Student Services program director, and a member of the legal community, to be determined.
“I think it (Prop. 209) means employers will no longer feel that it is necessary to hire people of color,” said Lewis.
A temporary restraining order against the proposition was enacted by United States District court Judge Thelton Henderson. The order will prevent the provisions of Prop. 209 from going into effect until questions of its legality can be resolved.
The intent of this proposition was to prohibit any preferential treatment based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in government run organizations.
“I don’t think legally, our particular policies would be effected,” said Dr. Prieto-Bayard. “It will not effect our admissions we are committed to diversity.”
The forum is sponsored by the University of La Verne Coalition for Diversity and the Behavioral Science Club.
