Jackson Advocate

Illinois Senator Presents Bill Designed To Carry Out Republican Party Platform Pledge On Civil Rights Bill Would Create Federal Commission On Civil Rights And Privileges

WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 12 (DSN) - Senator Everett M. Dirksen, Illinois Republican has presented a bill to the United States Senate which he detailed last Saturday showing the bill as designed to carry out the Republican Party platform pledge on Civil Rights.

The bill, not only would create a federal commission to administer fair employment practices, but also would provide grants-in-aid to states that are willing at the local level to put into effect the general purposes of the measure.

Dirksen said he introduced in the House in January, 1947 a civil rights measure which was substantially the same bill which was enacted by the House in the 81st Congress.

The FEPC bill, passed by the House during the 81st Congress, contained no enforcement provisions.

Education Plan
"The bill which I have now introduced varies in some measure from the original bill, but follows the same general educational approach," Dirksen said, adding:

"The new bill creates a Federal commission to be known as the Federal Commission on Civil Rights and Privileges. The reason for including privileges is that such a commission might not only operate in the field of employment discrimination, but also concern it

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Dirksen Details . .
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self with discrimination in the field of voting and lynching.
Keeps Pledge
"This substantially spells out the pledge made by the Republican party in 1952, which in essence suggests federal action toward the elimination of lynching and poll taxes. but also emphasizes the fact that the primary responsibility in this field is at the state and local level and that there should be an elimination of duplication of activities to avoid the establishment of a bureaucracy."
"The commission would have broad powers to make studies, formulate programs, issue reports, investigate complaints, all of which is designed to encourage the observance of and respect for all civil rights and privileges under the Constitution and laws of the United States."
Study Commission
"The bill also directs the commission to study and investigate these matters in the departments and agencies of the Federal Government."
"One departure which distinguishes this measure from previous efforts in this field authorizes financial assistance to any state which might be eligible for such assistance by establishing a state agency to perform similar functions or to aid local government agencies which are operating in this field. Funds would be appropriated on a population basis."
"The basic approach is one of study, education, exploration and encouragement of the observance of the civil rights and privileges of all individuals as set forth in federal law and in the Constitution."