Position of the Reform Movement on Affirmative Action

The Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis both have passed resolutions in support of affirmative action policies that use goals and timetables to correct the historical injustices in our society.

In 1973 and 1978, the CCAR adopted its affirmative action resolution Affirmative Action and Equal Rights and in November 1977, the URJ passed itsAffirmativeresolution, which stated:

The continual denial of equal opportunity makes it morally obligatory that universities, labor unions, employers, and governmental institutions utilize goals and timetables (rather than quotas) in an effort to provide economic and educational opportunities for qualified Blacks, Latinos, women and economically disadvantaged persons and minorities.

In February 2003, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Women of Reform Judaism joined in an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of the University of Michigan’s law school and undergraduate affirmative action programs. The brief was coordinated by the American Jewish Committee.

Likewise, in 19771995, and 2009 the WRJ adopted their Affirmative Action resolutions.