Sharp Divide on Affirmative Action Ballot Question

Voters in Oklahoma will decide whether to end affirmative action in the state.   The issue has a sharp divide of supporters and opponents.

"The measure does not allow affirmative action programs. Affirmative action programs give preferred treatment based on race, color or gender. They also give preferred treatment based on ethnicity or national origin. Discrimination on these bases is also not permitted.," State Question 759 reads. 

A yes vote on the question would only prohibit affirmative action in state employment, education and contracting.

Opponents say allowing race preference programs is an issue of fairness. They say affirmative action allows opportunities for minorities that may otherwise come up.

"This is not a perfect world. in a perfect world we wouldn't need affirmative action," said Wallace Collins, the chair of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party. "We as Democrats, we believe that affirmative action simply means equal opportunity. Unfortunately the other side believes that affirmative action means quotas. We don't agree with that." 

"I think there was a time for affirmative action. I think that time has passed.," said Dr. James Taylor, pastor of the University Christian Church in Norman, and supporter of 759 said.

Taylor said the issue is no longer relevant to younger generations.

The state question was propose by republican lawmakers last year.  They agree with Taylor that affirmative action is no longer needed today.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley Law School show minorities have a disadvantage in Oklahoma.  

"While it is unknown what the impact of the anti-affirmative action SQ 759 would be in Oklahoma, a helpful guide is the evidence from state that have already limited equal opportunity. Research from these state offers compelling evidence that affirmative action bans limit the opportunities available to people of color and women," the report reads.

State officials say Oklahoma no longer uses racial preference programs, so a change from a yes vote, would have little effect.

Similar affirmative action plans have been passed in California, Michigan, Nebraska, Washington and Arizona.Sharp Divide on Affirmative Action Ballot Question

Posted: Sunday, October 21 2012, 10:18 PM CDT