HR0925 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0925 LRB100 21257 MST 37494 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The principle of equal rights in all fields of American life, especially jobs and employment, is a core principle of the American system; and

WHEREAS, The principle of equal pay for all races, including African-Americans, is a core value that demands to be shared by all Americans; and

WHEREAS, These principles of equal rights and equal pay must be extended to all Americans, including African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, Native Americans, and persons of all races and ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS, The federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, brings together the principle and the enforcement of equal rights for all Americans in a wide range of fields, including employment; and

WHEREAS, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination by U.S. employers who are covered by the Act; acts of discrimination that are prohibited by this Title under this Act include acts imposed on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; and

WHEREAS, U.S. constitutional law ensures that the conduct of almost all employers is covered by federal law; the fight against discrimination cannot stop at any particular state line; and

WHEREAS, A federal administrative enforcement agency, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is now in operation to oversee the enforcement of Title VII; persons who see or who suffer grievances against U.S. civil rights can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC to complain about the conduct and request a hearing; and

WHEREAS, A substantial body of federal case law now exists to interpret Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and to provide relief and recourse for persons aggrieved by conduct in violation of it; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the continuing enforcement of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, to ensure civil rights for all American citizens; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we affirm that under our federal system, federal law and the federal government are appropriate enforcement entities for the establishment and maintenance of civil rights in fields that cross state lines, such as employment markets and employment law; and be it further

RESOLVED, That each of us, as Illinois legislators and as private individuals, set our faces firmly against and stand up against all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination in all areas, including but not limited to employment and jobs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Victoria A. Lipnic, the Acting Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.