As a Creighton alumni, I believe that all Creighton students should vote NO on Initiative 424 this election. This initiative would change the Nebraska constitution to eliminate affirmative action programs at the governmental level. Passing this initiative would have many negative consequences for our state, especially for universities.

For example, universities like Crieghton would be hindered in receiving grants from foundations who look for schools that serve under-represented populations. Initiative 424 would also limit the ability to attract diverse faculties and student bodies. On the business side, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce stated that 424 would “mean the end of minority contracting programs that are an important aspect of the Chamber’s ongoing community development strategy in North Omaha, Midtown and South Omaha.”

What is at the heart of this initiative is the false perception that unqualified minorities are taking the jobs and enrollments of more qualified white people. In fact, no unqualified person would ever be intentionally hired by any organization. Initiative 424 would take away an institution’s ability to consider a person’s unique background and characteristics, including, one’s ethinicty and race. Dozens of prominent local instituitions have raised their voices in protest of this initiative, including Creighton University. I urge you to take action for civil rights and diversity and vote NO on Initiative 424.

Ryan Brennan

B.A. 2005