Racism in any form is a serious issue, and we don't mean to make light of it here. However, we were taken aback when a reader shared with us a document issued recently by a governmental agency on a construction project which requires bidders to certify they will have NO SEGREGATED FACILITIES. No Segregated Facilities Certification.pdf
Now, we understand that as a society we are still dealing
with racism in various forms. You can
see it being played out awkwardly in our national politics. However, we thought that such blatant,
institutionalized forms of racism as segregated facilities had died out long
ago.
We believe this document represents one of those situations where existing agency standards are not necessarily consistent with current laws, rules, and regulations. Because the document is a "standard," it is not reviewed before it is included in bid solicitations. As a result, its use continues.
What do you think?
- Could
it be that we here at Conspectus are living in a bubble where the world is
a little more ideal than other places?
- Is
there still a need for contractors to certify that they will have no
segregated facilities?
- Have
you seen this or similarly outdated forms?
- Do you think that the governmental agency that issued this form was being responsible by including it?
