Resolution on a Moratorium on the Death Penalty
SENATE
Resolution
on a Moratorium on the Death Penalty
#RS02-195
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 |
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) |
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shown to be inconclusive; and | ||
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 | ||
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. |
*** APPROVED WITHOUT DISSENT MAY 14, 2002 ***