I supported an amendment to H.R. 6 authored by California Congressman Frank Riggs that would have banned all preferences and quotas in public university and college admissions decisions. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 171-249. I supported Mr. Riggs amendment because, in educating our children, we must focus on providing equal opportunity for all Americans rather than trying to mandate equal results. I do not believe federal law should provide an unfair advantage to any individual based on race, sex, religious affiliation, or any other reason. We should not attempt to raise up some individuals by putting others down.
Diversity is important but it is never justification for discrimination.
Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans and more than 3 in 4 African American voters said race should not be a factor in admission to a public college or university according to a recent poll conducted on behalf of the American Civil Rights Institute. Residents of the Ninth District made the same belief clear last year when 90 percent of respondents to my annual questionnaire said the federal government should not give preferential treatment on the basis of race, gender, or religion in public education, employment, or contracting. Unfortunately, many members of the House failed to hear what their constituents are saying. Just last month, the House voted down an amendment to the transportation bill prohibiting the use of preferences in awarding federal transportation contracts. In the case of California, voters were forced to take matters into their own hands.