Dr. Ruben Anthony: Wisconsin voters should look beyond the wording of Constitutional Amendment 3 and vote “No”

On November 3, Wisconsin voters will decide three constitutional amendments with potentially lasting implications for our state. All three deserve careful consideration, but one stands apart because it strikes at the heart of the Urban League’s century-long mission: expanding equal opportunity, removing barriers to economic advancement and ensuring every Wisconsin resident has a fair chance to succeed. Constitutional Amendment 3 asks voters whether the Wisconsin Constitution should prohibit state and local governments from “discriminating against” or “granting preferential treatment to” individuals based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, public education, public contracting and public administration. At first glance, the proposal sounds noble. Who would support discrimination? That question underscores why voters must look beyond the wording. The amendment creates the impression that Wisconsin lacks protections against discrimination and that voter