FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF MISSOURI APPLAUD MISSOURIANS FOR REJECTING THE MISSOURI CIVIL RIGHTS INITIATIVE

The voices of Missourians were heard loud and clear as organizers of the so called Missouri Civil Rights Initiative, led by California millionaire Ward Connerly, failed to submit the signatures required to initiate their assault on Missouri’s progressive affirmative action programs.

             The Young Democrats of Missouri applaud Missourians across the state for seeing through the deceptive tactics of the Connerly backed MOCRI organizers and demonstrating that they can not be fooled by destructive and regressive ballot initiatives. Missourians showed solidarity in supporting Missouri’s affirmative action programs, which have afforded hard working individuals equal access to both quality education and employment. As a continuation of the progress made during the civil rights movement, Missouri’s affirmative action programs are instrumental in creating a level playing field for those hard working individuals who are historically underrepresented in the realm of higher education and the work force.

             “By rejecting the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative, Missourians made clear that we are all proud of the rich social tapestry of our State.” Said Rick Puig, President of the Young Democrats of Missouri. “Instead of wasting our time fighting ballot initiatives designed to take Missouri in the wrong direction, we can focus on fighting for the progressive candidates and policies that will take this State forward.”

             As many of the Young Democrats of Missouri are students studying at Missouri’s institutions of higher education, we feel that Missouri’s rejection of MOCRI sends a strong message regarding the status of higher education within the state. In rejecting MOCRI, Missourians are asserting their commitment to a prosperous and diverse learning environment for Missouri’s students. This is not to say, however, that the work of the civil rights movement has ended. As a State, we have many barriers to overcome in order to achieve a truly integrated education system. The Young Democrats of Missouri would like to reiterate our commitment to pursuing equality and excellence in higher education.

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             If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Brian Roach at 816-806-0722 or broach@ydmissouri.org