Washington, DC, February 11, 2004—Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, joined together with the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Senators Edward M. Kennedy and Max Cleland, and Representatives John Lewis, John Conyers, jr., Ciro Rodriguez and George Miller to urge the passage of Fairness: The Civil Rights Act of 2004. The Fairness Act introduces key provisions that protect workers against age discrimination, enhance enforcement of the Equal Pay Act, and provide access to the courts and effective remedies for workers and students. The act seeks to undergird fundamental protections first addressed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but which have been undercut by recent court rulings. 2004 is the fortieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

"We urge the passage of this important act that restores the protections of the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ensures that Congress keeps its promise to the American people of equal treatment under the law," said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO. "Over the years misinterpretations of the law have undercut the fundamental rights intended by the original legislation. We must maintain meaningful access to the courts to ensure enforcement of these laws."

The Fairness Act will:

• Provide equal access to public services and fair treatment for the military, including protecting against discrimination in federally funded services.
• Provide students with protections from harassment based on race, gender, national origin, color and disability.
• Provide appropriate remedies for all victims of age discrimination in employment, including state employees.
• Prevent employers from forcing workers to sign away their right to a day in court.
• Provide victims of discrimination based on sex, disability or religion with remedies equal to those available for other forms of discrimination.
• Enhance enforcement of the Equal Pay Act.
• Confirm Congress\' intent that all workers have adequate remedies for unfair labor practices.