Revive the Alabama Civil Rights Initiative

Where is Ward Connerly when we need him?

Actually, a bill called the "Alabama Civil Rights Initiative," modeled on similar measures in California and Michigan, was introduced in the Alabama House in 2001. It proposed a constitutional amendment stating:

"The state may not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, gender, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting."

The online text indicates that the bill was referred to the Constitution and Elections Committee and, if memory serves correctly, it died there without advancing to the House floor.

In light of my previous post, though, it may be time to revive it. Serious consideration of this amendment would be good for the state, even if passage is not assured. At the very least, it would put university admissions procedures in full public view and create a lively debate on the propriety of racial preferences.