Missouri affirmative action initiative faces another ACLU lawsuit

August 16, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri: On Friday the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a second lawsuit against the proposed Missouri Affirmative Action Ban (2010). The ACLU argues that the initiative petition should not be circulated because it violates the Missouri Constitution by "deceiving" and "defrauding" Missouri voters. Additionally, they argue that the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative's proposed initiative would confuse voters by including multiple issues in one initiative and using "unfair and misleading" language.

If the ban on affirmative action goes on the ballot and is approved, it would bar the state from granting preferential treatment to individuals based on race, ethnicity or sex in public employment, education or contracting.

• June 26, 2009: Missouri Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan ruled against the initiative and rewrote the ballot summary because the language was "inadequate and unfair."
• July 2009: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced that he is appealing the court decision made in June.

See also

* Missouri 2010 ballot measures

• Missouri Affirmative Action Ban (2010)
• Missouri court rejects and revises proposed affirmative-action ban
• Petition blocking