Resolution
on a Moratorium on the Death Penalty
#RS02-195
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Whereas
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The spirit of the university
is embodied in open and rational discourse, humane forms of problem-solution,
the humility inevitably generated by the quest for knowledge, and dedication
to justice; and
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Whereas
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The
anger and fear ensuing from crimes very often incomprehensible to the average
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individual
are inimical and even contrary to the values and spirit of the academy;
and
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Whereas
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The
knowledge resulting from new technologies makes it apparent that the death
penalty has
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| resulted fromevidence persuasive in the moment but later (and sometimes irremediably) | ||
| shown to be inconclusive; and | ||
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Whereas
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It
has been demonstrated repeatedly that the death penalty is unfairly applied
to individuals
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on
the basis of theirracial and/or ethnic background, ignorance and poverty,
major mental
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retardation,
and/or severe emotional deprivation or damage, and substandard legal
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| representation; and | ||
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Whereas
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The
report of a highly-respected commission comprised of both supporters and
opponents of
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the
death penalty calls for massive reforms in the way states and the federal
government
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now
conceptualize and use the death penalty; and
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Whereas
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For
many of these reasons the states of Illinois and Maryland recently enacted
a moratorium
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on
the death; penalty; therefore be it
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Resolved
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That
the SFSU Academic Senate endorse actions to place a moratorium on the death
penalty
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in
the state ofCalifornia, and further be it
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Resolved
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That
the SFSU Academic Senate urge its elected representatives to support pending
legislation
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calling
for a moratorium on executions; and further be it
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Resolved
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That
the SFSU Academic Senate reaffirm its commitment to the values of reason,
open
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| discourse, and justice that give vitality to the more mundane activities of the university; | ||
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and
further be it
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Resolved
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That
the SFSU Academic Senate send copies of this resolution to Governor Gray
Davis,
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| Speaker of the California Assembly Robert M. Hertsberg, California Senate Chair Pro Tem | ||
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John
Burton, Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Californians for a Moratorium on
Executions,
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Senator
Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, andCalifornia State University
Chancellor
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Charles
B. Reed.
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*** APPROVED WITHOUT DISSENT MAY 14, 2002 ***