San Fernando Valley : Drive to Save Affirmative Action Launched
The president of the National Organization for Women joined with San Fernando Valley-based civil rights organizations Friday to launch a campaign opposing a proposed state initiative to repeal affirmative action programs.
“If affirmative action is repealed, it means that women will have fewer job opportunities,” said Patricia Ireland, president of NOW. “Our families’ futures are on the line.”
Ireland spoke at a news conference announcing formation of the San Fernando Valley Affirmative Action Coalition to fight the California “civil rights initiative.” The measure--which has not qualified for a vote--would repeal state and local government affirmative action programs. Ireland is on a statewide tour to help launch similar efforts.
The Valley coalition held its press conference at the West Valley Occupational Center in Woodland Hills because the ethnically diverse facility trains people who stand to lose if affirmative action is curtailed, organizers said.
They added that they plan to hold voter registration drives, as well as community education forums.
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