WASHINGTON, DC: Fight on affirmative action
Feb. 18 was the last day to file briefs before the Supreme Court regarding the University of Michigan affirmative action case. When the smoke cleared, the university counted 60 briefs supporting their affirmative action plan, which guarantees diversityat the school. President Bush weighed in opposing the University’s plan and only 12 individuals or organizations agreed.
The High Court will hear the case April 1.
A group of retired generals and former Pentagon officials filed for Michigan. “It (affirmative action) is absolutely essential to our fighting forces,” said former Army Undersecretary Joe Reeder making the announcement of the military’s legal action. “You can’t get there yet without taking race into consideration.”
From the House, 100 Democrats filed for affirmative action. Affirmative action “is as fundamental as democracy itself,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
The AFL-CIO supports and filed before the Supreme Court to defend affirmative action and the American Federation of Teachers submitted an additional brief.
Microsoft, American Airlines and Proctor and Gamble lead a list of 40 Fortune 500 corporations that also had their lawyers turn in a brief favoring Michigan.
On the Bush administration side, brother and Governor of Florida Jeb Bush lead the list of 12.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.: Now let us praise famous men and women
The Bluegrass State is the first in the country to dedicate a museum to chronicling the African-American experience through the history of a state. The groundbreaking on the multi-million dollar project was Feb. 20.
From pioneer days until the Civil Rights Movement, the museum will feature an extensive research library as well as inter-active displays in three buildings.
Visitors “will learn about the experiences of many ordinary people who rose above circumstances to achieve,” said Lora Bradshaw, chairwoman of the African-American Heritage Foundation. York, an enslaved African-American who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, is among the thousands of “ordinary people” the museum will honor.
The land is owned by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro government and leased to the foundation for $1 per year.
HOUSTON, Texas: Calling All Morticians
The U.S. Navy/Marine Corps announced that it is offering a $6,000 signing bonus for morticians who enlist. Fully trained undertakers will enter at the highest pay grade. They are for “special duty” in the services’ hospital corps. Applicants must be less than 35 years old and in good health.
National Clips are compiled by Denise Winebrenner Edwards. Send clips to pww@pww.org
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