[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SUPPORTING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep 
and continued commitment to affirmative action.
  Like many of my colleagues, I am baffled by the fact that almost 
thirty years since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act and the full 
implementation of affirmative action, many still question its 
importance and significance.
  It astounds me that a country that brags on its riches in diversity 
of people can not equally boast on their diversity in university class 
rooms and company board rooms. Affirmative action is not a hand out! It 
is an all access pass for people who have long been denied the chance 
to achieve their potential because of an American society steeped in 
institutionalized racism and sexism.
  Mr. Speaker, as you may know, there has been a recent uproar over the 
issue of affirmative action. In the past such states as Texas, 
California, and more recently my home state of Florida has prematurely 
abolished affirmative action, deeming it no longer necessary. Now, we 
are faced with this issue again. However this time, it's Michigan.
  In 1999, the state of Florida brought an end to affirmative action 
under a plan named the One Florida Initiative. This initiative not only 
sparked hundreds of protest, but also ignited a march in Tallahassee, 
Florida's capital. Former state senator and current U.S. Congressman 
Kendrick Meek led this demonstration.
  Mr. Speaker, as much as I wish affirmative action was an expired 
concept from an archaic time, the fact is, it is not. It is still 
needed. We as a Nation will no longer need affirmative action when we 
address the inequalities found at the heart of the educational system 
and corporate America. Then and only then should we discuss its 
abolishment.

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