As long as this situation continues, we must not abandon our efforts to make a reality of our commitment to equality of opportunity. But we must continue -- and substantially expand -- our efforts to make every American as prepared as possible to qualify for the employment and educational opportunities that may be available. It is not irrelevant or unfair to point out that the loudest critics of affirmative action are also the leading opponents of adequate funding for education training, health and related programs.
Together, these programs constitute the fuller "affirmative action" that is required to assure the equality of opportunity for all Americans. It is here, too, that the Jewish community is actively supportive, as is the African-American community. Despite ignorant talk about "the collapse of the Black-Jewish coalition," I know from decades of direct involvement that both communities are in substantial concurrence on affirmative action as such -- and on the broader issues of social policy.
HYMAN BOOKBINDER Washington Representative Emeritus, American Jewish Committee
COPYRIGHT 1996 Cox, Matthews & Associates
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
