COMMUNITY ALERT!
Attention: Women of Marin
As you know, breast cancer is ON THE RISE. You may be at risk!
VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 54
Breast cancer is more prevalent among white women, particularly those who
live in Marin County. Occurrence differs among women of different racial/ethnic
groups for reasons that remain unclear. Proposed research by the California
Breast Cancer Research Program aims to explore the relationship of breast
cancer to a new genetic risk factor that may help explain these differences.
Previous studies were not well-designed and did not look across racial/ethnic
groups. If Prop 54 passes, this essential research into the cause of breast
cancer, and providing adequate treatment, will be illegal!
Did you know that the original draft of what is now known as Proposition
54 included gender in its list of information that the state could not collect?
Originally, the language included sex but was deleted.
From breast cancer to sickle cell anemia to AIDS, many chronic diseases impact
us differently according to race. By banning race data, we will be
unable to fully understand and eradicate these diseases, and we will be prevented
from engaging in targeted outreach to the communities that are affected most.
We can’t stop the spread of disease if we can’t target the communities that
are most at risk. The initiative poses an irresponsible threat to our
health.
And Prop 54 isn’t just bad for our health, it’s also bad for our schools
and our civil rights.
--Prop 54 will take away the information that people of every race, ethnicity
and national origin use to protect themselves from discrimination in employment,
education, and state contracting. Progress in fighting discrimination is
made with data. Without facts, there are no remedies.
--Prop 54 will undermine school reform and educational equity. The
diversity in California’s public schools makes the state eligible for special
funds and targeted programs. Connerly’s initiative will cut off these crucial
funds and programs. In addition, the initiative will make it impossible
to determine whether the racial gap in test scores is narrowing, or whether
all racial and ethnic groups have an equal opportunity to compete for advanced
placement courses or the college track. If the initiative passes, we
will have no way of holding the state accountable for failing our kids.
--Prop 54 will prevent state, local and public agencies from gathering and
using information based on race, color, ethnicity, and national origin—but
racial and ethnic data is a crucial component needed to identify and address
health problems and find health solutions! We need this information. We use
it to save lives, make communities safe, improve education and protect civil
rights. Proposition 54 could prevent you from getting adequate care and treatment.
--Prop 54 will ban the state from collecting information that law enforcement
and local communities use to combat hate crimes and prevent racial profiling.
The State Attorney General, law enforcement groups, and the Anti-Defamation
League all oppose Prop 54.
VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 54
For more information:
http://www.informedcalifornia.org