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Specific Siting Policy Resolutions Passed by the Council Specific Siting Policy Resolutions Passed by the Council

APSA Siting Policy Decision

· Introduction

· Background Materials:

Specifically, the APSA Council adopted the following language.  With respect to future site selection, the Council affirmed that: 

Resolved:  In locating its future meetings, APSA presumes that states with legal restrictions on rights afforded recognized same-sex unions and partnerships create an unwelcoming environment for our members in cities where we might meet. We would notify authorities at all levels that these conditions make it difficult for us to site our meeting in these states. APSA would closely examine practices on a case-by-case basis in cities within these states to assess whether demonstrated positive local practices or other Association goals warrant holding our conferences there.  Approved 11 in favor; 6 opposed; no abstentions.  After a motion to reconsider and insertion of the phrase “states with legal restrictions” in place of “states with constitutional restrictions” the motion passed 16 in favor; 2 opposed; and no abstentions.

Additionally, in conjunction with continuing the 2012 meeting in New Orleans, the Council adopted a policy of public and intellectual engagement:

Resolved:  APSA continue with its 2012 meeting in New Orleans as contracted; APSA siting policy further be modified to call for enhanced engagement with host cities on state and local issues of importance to APSA, including restrictions on rights for same-sex unions and the economic development of meeting cities; and APSA policy call for the Association to promote the advancement of scholarship and enhancement of intellectual engagement among members at the annual meeting on questions of inequality that may arise in relation to the siting of the annual meeting, including restrictions on same-sex unions and the economic development of meeting cities. Approved 14 in favor, 2 opposed; 2 abstentions.

The Council also affirmed that APSA should approach the meeting in New Orleans with particular sensitivity to the needs of all members, and with respect for those members who may opt not to attend.
 
In developing Association initiatives, policies and practices to follow up with these commitments in future meetings, APSA leadership and staff will work vigorously with the Council, program committee chairs, and all APSA committees.