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Parris Glendening on Civil Rights
Former Democratic MD Governor
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Vociferously opposes more gambling
Source: Baltimore Sun, “Eliminating the gamble”
, May 17, 2002
Racial Profiling is immoral and must stop
We must continue to be active and engaged in the on-going struggle for justice, fairness, and inclusion. We begin by ending the reprehensible practice of Racial Profiling. It is simply outrageous that African- Americans are targeted for traffic stops
in this manner. Make no mistake about it Racial Profiling does exist. It is wrong. It is immoral. It must stop! Our effort goes beyond the most urgent problem of African Americans and targets all forms of profiled traffic stops.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
, Jan 8, 2001
Do more to foster and support small and minority business
We will take the necessary steps to update our Minority Business Program to more accurately reflect the dynamics of our changing population and business community. Not everyone has been given the opportunity to share in our prosperity.
We must do more to foster and support small and minority business. Given Maryland’s large and diverse minority community, our current goal of 14% minority participation in State contracts is far too low. We will lift our goal to 25%.
This increase will benefit all groups that have suffered discrimination: Women, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and others. We will also give special attention to African-American businesses, which the report identifies as facing the most intense
discrimination. We can come together and craft a program that is fair to minority businesses, and able to withstand the legal challenges that will result. It is the role of Government to help people achieve success.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
, Jan 8, 2001
Combat discrimination based on sexual orientation
I will once again submit and fight for legislation to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation. As long as people are subjected to harassment and bigotry simply for their choice of partner, we will not live-up to the standards we have set for
ourselves as a nation, and as a people. As you know, this is an issue of great personal importance to me: My brother Bruce, who served in the Air Force for 19 years, was gay and ultimately died of AIDS. It is chilling to think that my brother’s greatest
fear was not that he would be called upon to risk--even sacrifice--his life for his country. His greatest fear was that he would be ridiculed and discharged from the service if his sexual orientation was discovered. We can be better than
we have allowed ourselves to be. We can--and must--expect nothing less from ourselves. We must continue to actively support any and all measures that secure justice for those who have been wronged and inclusion for those who have been shut out.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
, Jan 8, 2001
More federal funding of IDEA for disabled education.
Glendening adopted a letter to Senate leaders from 4 Governors:
As you prepare the budget resolution for the coming fiscal year, the nation’s Governors urge Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). When the law, formerly known as the Education of the Handicapped Act, was passed in 1975, full funding was defined as 40 percent of the costs. Currently, the federal government’s contribution amounts to only 13 percent, and states are funding the balance to assist school districts in providing special education and related services. Although Governors strongly support providing the necessary services and support to help all students succeed, the costs associated with implementing IDEA are placing an increased burden on states.
We are currently reallocating existing state funds from other programs or committing new funds to ensure that students with disabilities are provided a “free and appropriate public education.” In some cases, we are taking funds from existing education programs to pay for the costs of educating our students with disabilities because we believe that all students deserve an equal opportunity to learn. Therefore, Governors urge Congress to honor its original commitment and fully fund 40 percent of Part B services as authorized by IDEA so the goals of the act can be achieved.
Source: National Governor's Association letter to Congress 00-NGA22 on Mar 14, 2000
Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment.
Glendening adopted the National Governors Association policy:
In 1976 the National Governors Association expressed support for ratification and implementation of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would constitutionally guarantee full citizenship rights and opportunities for women. In 1982 the drive for ratification fell short, and efforts to initiate the amendatory process were taken.
The National Governors Association reaffirms its support for the principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment, i.e., that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on the basis of gender.
Source: NGA Executive Committee Policy EC-14: Equal Rights Policy 01-NGA1 on Feb 15, 2001
Page last updated: Nov 23, 2011