Thousands of talented and winning women athletes compete in amateur and professional sports and millions more play for the pure fun of it - just as men do. Affirmative action has opened up colleges, professions and careers, and sports previously closed to women. It has produced a stream of talent that is fueling our economy, research and development, small businesses and global corporations. These are not gains that can be taken for granted. Progress in providing equal opportunities for women and people of color can be halted and even reversed.
Affirmative action is under attack.
Ironically, even as Colonel Collins' flight lifts off from Florida's Cape Kennedy, Floridians are being asked to sign ballot initiative petitions that would bar affirmative action. We need to strengthen affirmative action, not eliminate it. The playing field isn't level - on the soccer field, on the factory floor, or in the board room. We are committed to achieving economic equity for women and girls in the 21st Century. Women have not yet gained economic parity with men.