KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The NAACP is urging changes to counter what it contends is racial inequality in oil spill cleanup efforts.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People detailed 13 suggestions for the Gulf of Mexico spill response Saturday during its annual convention in Kansas City. It’s urging equal access to contracting opportunities among its recommendations.
Jacqui Patterson directs the NAACP’s climate justice initiative. She says the discrimination claims are anecdotal and NAACP workers have been documenting complaints on site.
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The group wants a meeting with BP’s chief executive. Messages left with BP representatives weren’t immediately returned.
NAACP President Ben Jealous says his group fears minorities have “limited access” to higher-paid cleanup jobs.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.