Dear Editor,
The Wisconsin Legislature is seeking to change the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin when making decisions about jobs, education, contracts, or government programs in our schools, universities, local governments, state agencies, and courts.
While this may sound reasonable, it is already unconstitutional under federal law to discriminate. The real intent is to prohibit “preferential treatment” to marginalized people. Real disparities exist in housing, education, healthcare and healthcare access, and more, so eliminating programs that seek to address these inequities is extremely harmful to our communities and our future. For example, Black infants consistently die at about 3 times the rate of White infants in Wisconsin. Programs that seek to provide equitable research, solutions and care would be considered “discriminatory” under this proposal as they are targeting Blacks. This goes for any program that seeks to help us understand the culture, challenges and strengths of people in our communities that may be different from traditional White culture.
Treating everyone “the same” ignores the reality that not everyone starts from the same place. Without the ability to address inequality, gaps in education, health, and economic opportunity will likely grow. Equality should be the goal, but we need equitable programs to help us achieve a more equal state. This amendment would do the opposite.
Senator Howard Marklein and Representative Novak supported this amendment. It is time we vote for people to represent us who will stand up for ALL of us!
Myra Enloe
Dodgeville, WI