Grave concern over racial outbreaks in Detroit was expressed today in a statement issued by the Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organizations Dealing with Employment Discrimination in War Industries.
“When one minority is threatened, all minorities are threatened,” Claude A. Benjamin, chairman of the Committee, said. He issued his statement after a 40-minute interview with Mgr. Francis J. Haas, newly appointed chairman of President Roosevelt’s Committee on Fair Employment Practice. The full text of the statement follows:
“The Coordinating Committee of Jewish Organizations Dealing with Employment Discrimination in War Industries, representing 70 national and local Jewish organizations, is gravely concerned over the violent disturbances in race relationships which have recently occurred in Detroit and elsewhere. These outbreaks violate the democratic way of life and hamper the successful prosecution of the war effort.
“Full use of available labor supply for maximum war production requires that all groups of employees must be able to work together harmoniously and effectively. The strengthening influence and calm judgment of the President’s Committee on Fair Employment Practice is needed more than ever before to assure the full and equitable participation of all workers in war industry without discrimination because of race, creed, color or national origin. Therefore, the current reorganization of the Fair Employment Practice Committee should provide that agency with ample budgetand authority. The Committee should be encouraged to complete its reorganization promptly and effectively. We are certain that resolute action on its part will contribute immeasurably towards solving existing difficulties and preventing future outbreaks.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
