OMAHA, Neb. -- A renewed debate over affirmative action is finding a new battleground in Nebraska. A petition is circulating that wants to change the state constitution's stance on discrimination and preferential treatment. Protesters said the language bans affirmative action.Under fire are seven words in the state constitution: "Discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to." Anti-affirmative action advocates are circulating a petition for a ballot initiative that adds these words: "The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment public education or public contracting."On Thursday, California businessman Ward Connerly, who is the man behind the proposal, will speak at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Dayton Headlee, the student leader who coordinated the event and chair of the Nebraska College Republicans, said the law allows other ways to help people who need it."It allows affirmative action, as it's titled to continue based on socioeconomic status and groups that have typically not been well represented," Headlee said. "Giving somebody a leg up always gives somebody else a leg down. (The proposal) removes discrimination by race or gender from the public sphere."Protestors argued that the amendment would spell doom for University of Nebraska outreach and athletic programs that help develop minority youth. The opposition brought its own big names, including former Health and Human Service Secretary Dr. Louis Sullivan."We need to do everything to see that all of our citizens have the opportunity to develop their talents fully," Sullivan said.Sullivan and his backers said affirmative action is not preferential treatment, but rather levels an unbalanced playing field."Affirmative action is necessary," said the American Association for Affirmative Action's Renee Dunman. "It prevents discrimination."The Connerly petition needs about 115,000 signatures to make it on the November ballot.Connerly is scheduled to speak at UNO's Milo Bail Center at 4 p.m. Thursday. Protesters said they will gather there an hour earlier. Discuss
