[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF WARD CONNERLY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES T. CANADY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 1997

  Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commendation of 
Ward Connerly for his singular contributions to the fight for equal 
opportunity for all Americans. Ward Connerly has fought tirelessly to 
bring an end to the discriminatory practice of giving preferential 
treatment to individuals based on race or gender. His accomplishments 
in the cause of equality are a tribute to his strong will and 
character.
  As a member of the University of California Board of Regents, Ward 
Connerly successfully led the fight to end the university's practice of 
using race as a factor in admissions. His example should be a beacon to 
national academic institutions, illuminating a brighter path toward 
policies which truly reflect the American understanding of equal 
opportunity.
  Ward Connerly continued his struggle against preferences as the 
leader of the grassroots movement that brought the California civil 
rights initiative to fruition. Through his efforts, more than 1 million 
signatures were obtained in support of CCRI, which was placed on the 
November ballot. After a vicious campaign of distortions waged by its 
opponents, the initiative received 54 percent of the vote: The people 
of California let it be known that they wanted an end to the unjust 
policy of race and gender preferences in hiring, contracting, and 
college admissions.
  Today, Ward Connerly is chairman of the American Civil Rights 
Institute. This new civil rights organization is dedicated to educating 
the American public about race and gender preferences. Through the 
institute, Mr. Connerly will again be at the forefront of this debate, 
carrying the banner of equal opportunity throughout the Nation and to 
Washington. I know of few other people who can shoulder such a burden 
with the exemplary combination of determination and grace that Mr. 
Connerly has demonstrated.
  In a world where rhetoric rarely matches action, Ward Connerly 
practices what he preaches. As a young man, he did not stand outside 
the ring, waiting for an invitation to enter. He climbed in, fighting 
difficult odds. Through hard work and sacrifice, he paid his way 
through college. Then, he would not let the color of his skin hold him 
back; now, he refuses to let it win him favor.
  Ward Connerly fights for the belief in fairness that lies at the 
heart of the American spirit. What lessons are we teaching our children 
if, on the one hand we say discrimination is wrong, yet on the other, 
practice the very discrimination we denounce? Our actions must reflect 
our principles. We simply cannot build a colorblind society by 
requiring that people be colorcoded. The examples we set for our 
children should reflect the principles of equal treatment that this 
great Nation embodies.
  Ward Connerly is living proof of what we can accomplish through hard 
work and devotion to principle. When others have shied away, he has 
stood his ground. When others have quit, he has presevered. And where 
others have failed, he has succeeded. Today, despite the worst kind of 
personal attacks, Ward Connerly maintains his dignity and courage. It 
is people like Ward Connerly, who are determined to unite America--not 
fragment it along racial, ethnic, or gender lines--that will lead this 
Nation into the 21st century. Indeed, Ward Connerly is worthy of our 
praise and admiration.

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