SUPPORT PLEDGED TO BRING ABOUT CHANGES PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS

RESOLVED: that the American Ethical Union commend the President's Committee on Civil Rights for a courageous report of some of the ills of democracy, and of practical measures to cure such ills;

that we support its recommendations for legislation against discrimination in employment and education. We welcome its urging of legislation against lynching, against the poll tax, and against exclusive primaries which are used to disfranchise millions;

that we too are hopeful that the Congress may outlaw segregation in the armed forces and in interstate transportation, and that restrictive covenants and segregation in housing, educational, employment and health facilities may promptly be eliminated. We regret that at the heart of our nation, the capital of the United States, such basic rights are now denied, and urge that steps be taken to correct such abuses;

that the assumption of guilt by association is an undemocratic procedure and fails to safeguard the rights of an individual. We are gratified that the President's Committee on Civil Rights deplores such tactics and emphasizes that "a state of near hysteria now threatens to inhibit the freedom of genuine democrats";

that we here affirm our faith in a democracy honestly practiced in all spheres of life, and register our belief that if it is permitted free development it can win loyalty and deserve respect as it puts its professions into practice. We shall do what we can to bring about the changes proposed in the report of the President's Committee on Civil Rights.

Source: Whereas ... 1962

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