A Quick Look at Oklahoma State Question 759

This past summer, state Sen. Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher, and Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle were busy trying to ban affirmative action programs throughout the state. Because of their hard work and the majority vote seen in the previous post, Oklahomans will vote on the 2012 ballot on whether or not to prohibit special treatment based on race or sex in public employment, education or contracts. Here is how it is expected to look like in the 2012 ballot: 

“This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds a new section 36 to Article II. It will not allow special treatment or discrimination based on race or sex in public employment, education or contracts. It gives exceptions for some situations. It sets out remedies for violations.”

The attempt to ban equal opportunity is not new to Oklahoma. In 2008, Oklahoma faced this same problem backed up by the same groups. Ward Connerly, a conservative, rich, African-American, has made it his mission to ban such important programs throughout the state. He has been successful in California and Washington State. Both California and Washington State witnessed devastating changes in women and minority representation after a similar ban was enacted there.

Specifically, California saw a dramatic decline in the enrollment rates of minority students in the University of California. At UC-Davis, before the enactment, women comprised 52% of new faculty hiring. The year after the law was enacted, that percentage dropped to 13%. Washington State saw a decrease of over 25% in the share of Seattle public words contracts awarded to women or minority-owned firms.

Now that you know what a difference this ban could do to the minority representation in the state of Oklahoma. So look for State Question 759 in the 2012 ballot and vote against the ban of affirmative action!