Racial Privacy Initiative: A Threat to Civil Rights
By Dr. Jamillah Moore
It is saddening to read that California will take the lead in proposing yet another divisive initiative for the ballot. The Golden State has led the way on controversial issues of vouchers, immigration and affirmative action. Now the American Civil Rights Institute, founded by Ward Connerly, has proposed the Racial Privacy Initiative slated for the October 2003 ballot.
The initiative should concern everyone. It would prohibit state and local governments from using race, ethnicity, color or national origin to classify current or prospective students, contractors or employees in public education, contracting or employment operations (see Black Issues, June 5, 2003).
One way we monitor and defend our civil liberties, and work toward leveling the playing field of equality in this country, is based upon the collection of data. The reality is that racial and ethnic categories are socially significant constructs that shape human behavior. Data on race and ethnicity also aid understanding and address inequalities in primary social institutions such as law enforcement, criminal justice, the workplace, health care and education.
