Now, as a new century approaches and the nation becomes more racially diverse, anxiety grows over how the country will resolve such divisive issues. His group filed the lawsuits that led to the demise of set-asides for Columbus and the state. Some black business owners understand the resentment. No one said it was going to be fair all the time, and there'll be some places you simply can't get into. It's a free-market economy.
Contracts can be designed to exclude certain companies, they say.
Simple things, such as specifying certain kinds of products, can automatically narrow the field. In the awarding of contracts, state officials say, seldom does the lowest bidder not get the deal. Politicians expect debates about preferences to intensify this legislative session. This week, the Legislative Black Caucus again called for a study to recognize that discrimination persists in contracting. Hispanics, Asians and American Indians also were included.