October 12, 2001
The Honorable Mary Frances Berry
Chairperson, United States Commission on Civil Rights
624 Ninth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20425
Dear Madame Chairperson:
Thank you for the invitation to testify at the Commission's October 12, 2001 public briefing, in Washington, D.C., to discuss the civil rights implications of strengthened security throughout the United States transportation systems. I will be on travel on that day and will be unable to attend, but I have prepared the enclosed written statement which I would deeply appreciate your including in the record.
I applaud the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on its efforts to ensure that all persons are provided equal protection of the laws and that no person is subject to unlawful discrimination when traveling in the Nation. This is a time of great challenge to the nation, but that challenge cannot be allowed to serve as an excuse for unlawful discrimination.
As my statement indicates, the Department of Transportation has taken steps to make certain that our transportation system is in full compliance with the civil rights laws and that strengthened security requirements do not change that situation. We will continue to investigate any security-related airline discrimination complaints we receive vigorously and expeditiously.
As one of the 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry forcibly interned by the United States Government during the World War II, I understand how dangerous times such as these can be to civil rights and civil liberties. I look forward to working with you and the Commission to ensure that our nation never again loses sight of those fundamental American values.
I hope the enclosed statement is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me or Samuel Podberesky, our Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, whose phone number is 202-366-9342.
Sincerely yours,
Norman Y. Mineta