South Bend Equality
March 2005
Dear Area Business Leader,
Economic development is not just the responsibility of government officials – it is something which every business leader in South Bend should be concerned. We need to advance our city into the 21st century and compete with those communities that have experienced, and continue to experience, phenomenal growth by attracting and retaining top creative talent.
South Bend Equality has been formed to create equal protection under the law in the areas of education, employment, housing and public accommodations. Our goal is to amend the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance (Article 9) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity.
It is estimated that Indiana loses 10,000 college graduates every year and according to Dr. Richard Florida, Heinz, Professor of Economic Development at Carnegie Mellon University, “This is why cities…fail to grow despite their weird world-class universities. They have not been sufficiently tolerant and open.” Isn’t it time we kept these talented people in our state and be rewarded with the economic benefits they can bring to the community?
If you are prepared to take a pro-active stance and let the South Bend Common Council know that our city needs to amend its ordinance, we have enclosed suggested wording that can be used to endorse this effort. Please use your company letterhead stationary and address your correspondence to “Members of the Common Council”. A postage paid envelope has been provided for your convenience.
Sincerely,
Enclosures
