Take Action: Help fight Ariz. bill to ban ethnic student groups like
Take Action: Help fight Ariz. bill to ban ethnic student groups like
MEChA, Black Business Students Assoc.

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Help fight Ariz. bill to ban ethnic student groups like MEChA, Black
Business Students Assoc.

Multiculturalism is a basic American concept. We value the beliefs,
traditions, customs, arts, history and folklore of the diverse
cultures reflected throughout our nation. All this is being put at
risk in Arizona, where last week the Appropriations Committee passed
an amendment to a routine homeland security bill, SB 1108 that would
prohibit students at the state's public universities and community
colleges from organizing groups based on race (ie: groups such as
MEChA, the Black Business Students Association, Native Americans
United, etc.)

Please take action today. This bill could reach the Arizona House
floor as early as this week.

According to newspaper reports, Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Scottsdale) , a
supporter of the measure called these campus organizations,
"'self-defeating' and 'self-destructive' for students."

Self-defeating? Multiculturalism doesn't limit students. It gives them
pride in who they are and enhances their being fuller people by
fostering the concept of America being the land of opportunity. As
Cesar Chavez said, "Preservation of ones' culture doesn't mean
contempt for others'."

These student groups are like any other school club or fraternity.
They bring students together so they can achieve academic success.
They offer a place to meet, make friends and support one another.
Their goal is to help students succeed. For example, the members of
the University of Arizona's MEChA chapter visit high schools to
encourage students to attend college. They hold events and fundraisers
to spread the message that education is the key to success.

The bill goes one step further. It also would ban public schools or
colleges from including race-based classes or school sponsored
activities. Officially the language says it would ban any activity
"deemed contradictory to the values of American democracy or Western
civilization. " However, the language is so broad, who knows what could
be prohibited? Certainly Chicano studies, African-American studies &
other ethnic studies programs would be put at risk.

Studies show that students who learn about their race and culture have
a lower-drop out rate. In truth, if this bill passes it could cause a
huge set back in our educational system.

Please take immediate action. If you live in Arizona, e-mail your
representatives immediately as well as the Speaker of the House. If
you live outside Arizona, please e-mail the Arizona Speaker of the
House today and let him know the eyes of the nation are on Arizona.

http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/sb1108?rk=51qN6mdqzpPrE