Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ninth District, IL
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CHICAGO REPRESENTATIVES ON KEY HOUSE COMMITTEE CALL
ON CHAIRMAN SHAYS TO HOLD HEARING ON DISCRIMINATION IN THE MILITARY
RECENT REPORT REVEALS WIDESPREAD CONCERNBY MINORITIES SERVING IN THE MILITARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), and Danny Davis (D-IL) called on a key subcommittee Chairman to hold hearings following a recent report revealing widespread concern about instances of racial discrimination in the Armed Forces. 
  
In a letter to the Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations Chairman Chris Shays (R-CT), the members expressed concern about a recent survey that "revealed some disturbing information about how people of color in the military are treated." 

According to the Washington Post, a survey conducted by the Defense Manpower Data Center found that three-quarters of all African Americans and other minorities in the military have experienced racially offensive behavior.  In addition, almost fifty percent believe that their complaints of discrimination are not thoroughly investigated. 

"We believe this is an issue worthy of congressional investigation by the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations," the members wrote.  

Schakowsky and Blagojevich serve on the National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations subcommittee and Blagojevich is the ranking Democrat.  Davis is a member of the full Government Reform Committee. 

A copy of the letter to Chairman Shays is attached. 

                                                    {attached} 
  

                                               November 24, 1999 

The Honorable Christopher Shays 
Chairman 
House Government Reform Committee 
Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations 
  

Dear Chairman Shays: 

We are very concerned after reading an article that appeared on the front page of the November 23, 1999 Washington Post.  The article revealed some disturbing information about how people of color in the military believe they are treated. 

According to the article, "Three quarters of all African Americans and other minorities serving in uniform complain that they have experienced racially offensive behavior, and less than half expressed confidence that complaints of discrimination are thoroughly investigated."  The article cites the source for this information, conducted by the Defense Manpower Data Center, as "…the largest survey of racial attitudes ever conducted within the armed forces."  We believe this is an issue worthy of Congressional investigation by the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations. 

Mr. Chairman, you have taken the lead on a number of issues in the interest of our men and women in service.  We request that you continue in that tradition and schedule a hearing to explore the issues detailed in the November 23, 1999 Washington Post article.   

Thank you for your consideration.  We look forward to hearing your response. 

                                                  Sincerely, 
  

Rod Blagojevich                   Jan Schakowsky                            Danny K. Davis 

 
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