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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