Letter to the Editor on Oklahoma State Question 759

Dear Editor:

Why are Oklahomans even considering State Question 759, the proposal to prohibit affirmative action? I believe that affirmative action is a great set of policies that gives minorities chances to take on wonderful opportunities that would not be commonly given to them. Without affirmative action, it is shown that there is a high likelihood of the number of women and minorities working and gaining an education decreasing dramatically. Just look at the shocking facts and statistics in other states that enacted a very similar legislation like State Question 759. When a similar stature was enacted in Washington State, they saw a decrease of over 25% in the share of Seattle public works contracts awarded to women or minority owned firms. Not only that, but at UC Davis, a university in California, the percentage of new faculty hires dropped from 52% women to 13% women in the year after a similar measure passed. Overall, SQ 759 is a misguided attempt to completely erase the progress Oklahoma has made regarding women and minority representation. Oklahomans should definitely vote against SQ 759 to prevent the ban of affirmative action in Oklahoma. 

                                                                                                               Sidra Mesiya