Whereas, the nation is faced with a multipronged attack on the rights of workers, in both the private and public sectors, and the negotiated contracts that have been earned through the collective bargaining process at the negotiating table; and
Whereas, many states and interest groups have embraced an exclusionary trend toward immigrants’ rights, voter rights and the placement of restrictions on such rights as granted by the 15th Amendment to the Constitution; and
Whereas, all unions, especially public—sector unions, have been vilified and politically diminished and bullied by elected officials in many states across the country, including Wisconsin and New Jersey; and
Whereas, the number of workers identified as union members has dropped dramatically over the past four decades; and
Whereas, AFSA recognizes the need to clarify the ethical and legal landscape of voter registration and identification;
Therefore be it resolved, that AFSA supports and encourages the reinstatement of curriculum and instruction on the importance of voting, organizing and collective bargaining as a strategy to fully inform and educate voters and prevent the further erosion of these precious civil rights.