DA briefs

In memoriam — UUP delegates accepted by acclamation a resolution honoring the late Dallas Beal, co-chair of the New York State Public Higher Education Conference Board (NYSPHECB) and longtime advocate for higher education. A former SUNY Fredonia president, Beal was recognized by delegates as a leader with “vision, humanity and political savvy,” according to the resolution. “(He) strove mightily and successfully for the good of SUNY, UUP and the extraordinary people of New York.” In his address to the delegation, UUP President Bill Scheuerman said: “Humanity has lost a great human being and we have lost a great advocate.” Beal died Dec. 29 of complications from heart surgery.

The right stuff — Delegates adopted two separate resolutions related to disability and civil and human rights. OK’d was a resolution for UUP to reaffirm its support of the Americans with Disabilities Act and to voice opposition to judicial nominees whose record and views flagrantly disregard this law. Delegates also urged UUP to oppose President Bush’s dismantling of the University of Michigan’s longstanding policy to achieve equal access and diversity in its student bodies.

War debate — Delegates OK’d in principle, but referred to the Executive Board, a resolution supporting the anti-war coalition, U.S. Labor Against the War (USLAW).

Following lengthy debate, delegates directed the board to review USLAW positions and to consider setting up an emergency fund to promote union, labor and anti-war activity. The resolution was submitted by the statewide Solidarity Committee.

EOP restoration — Delegates supported a resolution from the union’s Educational Opportunity Pro-gram (EOP) Concerns Commit-tee calling on UUP to fight for restorations to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and EOP direct-aid resources.

The Executive Budget proposal would raise tuition by $1,200 and cut both TAP and EOP funds. EOP direct-aid money provides support toward books and supplies, and cuts would “place (EOP) students in an overwhelming financial hardship,” the resolution stated.

Retiree concerns — Delegates OK’d a resolution that calls on UUP to join other organizations in opposing any weakening of Medicare and in urging support of universal prescription drug coverage. The resolution was put forth by the Committee on Active Retired Membership (COARM) and the Retiree Legislative Action Group.

Delegates also OK’d a COARM resolution asking chapters to inform UUP headquarters of a member’s death; UUP will then provide beneficiaries with a list of available benefits.

In solidarity — Delegates backed a resolution submitted by the statewide Solidarity Committee that urges UUP to push for legislation to strengthen Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules. Citing the numerous violations of worker safety and environmental regulations — totaling nearly 1,000 and resulting in at least nine deaths and countless injuries — against McWane Industries of Birmingham, Ala., the resolution called for UUP to “go on the record as deploring the life-threatening and sometimes lethal treatment of workers” by McWane, one of the largest manufacturers of sewer and water pipes. UUP was instructed to send letters to state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Gov. Pataki and U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In thanks — Delegates thanked outgoing Membership Development Officer Fred Kowal of Cobleskill for his statewide contributions and service to UUP and wished him “good fortune in his future endeavors.”