Date: Tue, 17 Mar 98 17:40:13 -0400 From: ngltf Subject: Action Alert: Affirmative Action in Higher Education ******************************************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE ACTION ALERT Contact: Brian Camaro, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, 202/466-3311 Emma Peat, American Association of University Women, 202/785-7793 2310 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.or ******************************************************************* AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION IS AT RISK!! The Higher Education Reauthorization Act (HO 6) is scheduled for a full committee markup on Wednesday, March 18, at 10:30 am in 2175 Rayburn. Rep. Frank Riggs (R-CA) is expected to offer an amendment to eliminate affirmative action in college admissions. This so called "Anti-Discrimination in College Admissions Act of 1998" (HO 3330) would prohibit colleges and universities from using affirmative action in college admissions if they receive federal funds, including Pull Grants. Affirmative action programs establish equal opportunity for woman and minorities; redress gender, racial, and ethnic discrimination; and encourage diversity in the workplace and educational institutions. The last three decades of federal affirmative action programs have helped to promote diversity and correct patterns of discrimination. * In 1995 approximately 30% of the total college-age population were African Americans, Hispanics, or American Indians, but those groups compromised only 18% of college students. * A 1996 study of 300 campuses found that racially mixed student populations have positive effects on retention, overall college satisfaction, college grade point average, and intellectual and social self-esteem. * In 1995 women received 39% of all doctorate degrees. However, women are still under represented in certain doctoral programs, including engineering (12%), physics (12%), and mathematics (22%). Action: Call the Members of Congress listed below and urge them to oppose the so-called "Anti-Discrimination in College Admissions Act of 1998" (HO 3330). Representatives Michael Castle (R-DE) 202/225-4165 Harris Fawell (R-IL) 202/225-3515 Tim Roemer (D-IN) 202/225-3915 Fred Upton (R-MI) 202/225-3761 Marge Roukema (R-NJ) 202/225-4465 Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) 202/225-5871 William Goodling (R-PA) 202/225-5836 Jim Greenwood (R-PA) 202/225-5836 Thomas Petri (R-WI) 202/225-2476 For more information about Affirmative Action, see the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force linkage paper titled "United We Stand-Affirmative Action", available at http://www.ngltf.or/downloads/positionaa.pdf. _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .