St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1957-11-08
Three Groups Give
Reactions To Series
On Minnesota Bios


CONTINUED from page -
thought Of as irresponsible and
premature attacks Of a sensation
alistic nature.
Whatever the reaction, however.
the articles do raise some note
worthy and interesting points.
For example, as Of this writing,
none of the applicants featured
In the articles has submitted a
written complaint 10 this FEPC
office
Except for the case Of one APP
plicant. this office only learned
OF the related situations after hav-
ing been so advised by the author,
In connection with the articles.
Signed and written Intelligent
complaints by responsible parties
are an inherent part OF the F'EPC
function. the lack OF them IL a
handicap 10 the enforcement
powers of our commission. II Is
true that the Commission does not
merely sit idly by waiting for com
plants 10 come In. but becomes
concerned and takes action on all
situations Of which II gains know
ledge. where employment discrim-
nation might have occurred
this. within the educational powers
which II has been granted; but the
operation OF It's educational
powers is distinct from that OF
enforcement, for which signed and
written complaints are necessary
Any government agency is linn
tied by due process" require
ments, to the scope Of It's author
ity, and as 20 the methods which
can be pursued In administering
its function. Efficient administra-
ton OF an agency such as FEPC,
demands and requires an alert and
responsible citizenry without
which, compliance win not be at
tanned. and the enforcement pow
ers rendered useless
The existence of AN FEPC
law. does not relieve individual
citizens Of their individual re
sponslbilitles and duties---both
as Ia who may be found liable
under the law, but also AS 10
those who have basis for com
plants.
Thus far. the articles form the
substance for which a complaint
can be made TO an FEPC agency
Once such complaints are made
or alleged, basis exist for in
vestigation which Is then made as
to all circumstances and sources
OF information which pertain to
the specific employment policies
and practices involved, both in
general, and as they affected the
individual complainant In other
words. TO determine II discrimina-
ton did occur or does exist.
Consequently, evidence Is nee
essary TO determine whether an
unfair practice was committed,
and full investigation Is made
and reported before the FEP Com
mission makes such determine
ton, IT, OF course, the evidence
does support probably cause OF a
charge OF discrimination. the
Commission seeks to adjust the
complaint and eliminate the dis
elimination by Cancellation, and
the subsequent enforce en- 1
powers, II Cancellation Is unsuc-
cessfil
Whether the articles are com
mended or criticized. they further
indicate and point out something
OF which we must not be ignor-
ant and that Is, the growing con
Germ, vocal expression, and cry
for action, that significant ele-
ments in our society are express
sing toward discrimination not.
ably, here, employmenp.
In this day, when our domestic
problems OF discrimination and our
fear In international crises and
developments are far too related
for comfort, we cannot afford e
be overly simple and cuche In our
approaches and solutions 10 thi,
problem. nor can we afford to b,
irresponsible either for or agains
the goal which the law. In this In
stance seeks to attain
Statement OF MIR. Perry
Industrial Secretary. 80,