As organizations committed to protecting the rights of all Wisconsinites, we write against the harmful constitutional amendment on the November ballot. We strongly urge voters to oppose this amendment and vote no. 

Most Wisconsinites believe that no matter our background, race, or whether we live in a rural village or big city, we all deserve an equal shot.  However, some politicians are trying to stir up disinformation and division. Instead of passing policies that help Wisconsin families, like raising the minimum wage, improving healthcare access, or funding our schools, legislators pit us against one another. 

The Wisconsin Constitution is the foundation of our state, meant to protect and reflect our shared values and progress. Constitutional amendments shouldn’t be a tool for partisan gamesmanship and division. 

Let’s be clear: Discrimination is illegal in Wisconsin. So what would this amendment do? It would limit our governments’ ability to use certain policies and programs intended to remedy longstanding disparities of race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.

We should be working together to build opportunities, not tear them down. 

We believe in amendments that truly serve the public good—amendments that give Wisconsinites more power in shaping their government and foster a democracy that works for everyone. For example, a recently proposed citizen-led ballot initiative process is an idea that deserves serious consideration. Such a reform would empower the people of Wisconsin to have a greater say in shaping policies that impact their lives, rather than leaving those decisions in the hands of a few.

We call on voters to reject amendments that limit their rights and the tools their governments use to advance equity and opportunity.

Wisconsin deserves better. Let’s stop changing our constitution for political gain and start using it to make our state stronger, fairer, and more inclusive.

In solidarity,

350 Wisconsin

All Voting is Local

Chippewa Valley Votes

Common Cause Wisconsin

ESTHER

Leaders Igniting Transformation – Education Fund

League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied for Hope

WAVE Ed Fund

Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign (WIVEC)

Wisconsin Public Education Network

Working Families Power