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National Network News--

---U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on Florida Vote---
Supported by approximately 30 hours of sworn testimony from some 100 witnesses, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights determined that the Florida presidential elections appear to have been marred by voter disenfranchisement. "It is not a question of a recount or even an accurate count, but more pointedly those whose exclusion from the right to vote amounted to a 'No Count,'" concluded a statement issued today by the Commission. Commission Chair Mary Frances Berry said she hopes the Commission's findings will hasten reforms. The report maintained that the evidence points to an array of problems. These ranged from Florida election officials' failure to provide adequate resources to handle increased voter turnout to at least one unauthorized law enforcement checkpoint. The Commission also flagged the removal of non-felons from the voter registration rolls on the basis of unreliable information collected during a sweeping, state-sponsored felony purge. The Commission cited other problems in Florida which prevented voters from exercising their franchise, including the assignment of many African Americans to polling sites that lacked sufficient resources to confirm voter eligibility; failure to process voter registration applications under the "motor voter" law in a timely manner; use of defective and complicated ballots that caused many "overvotes" and "undervotes"; early closing of polling places; relocation of polling places without notice; use of old and defective election equipment in poor precincts; failure to provide requested language assistance to Haitian American and Latino American voters; and failure to ensure access for voters with disabilities. The Commission also found that the state failed to provide adequate training to its poll workers and committed inadequate funds to voter education. The Commission plans to release a draft report on the Florida voting probe by early April and the final report in early June. By a unanimous vote, the Commission decided to return to Florida late this summer after the state legislative session, in order to assess what changes have taken place at the sate and local level.

---Teens talk---
Large numbers of 8-11 year olds say teasing and bullying (74%), discrimination and disrespect (43%), and threats of violence (38%) occur at their school. One third of 10-11 year olds (33%) say that pressure to have sex is a "big problem" for kids their age. Yet, many parents still put off talking about tough issues with their children, according to a new national survey of parents and kids. "Kids confront issues in everyday life and often have to make tough choices. We want to encourage parent communication that can help kids navigate "kid-dom" in a way that is real and meaningful in their lives," said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon. Many kids, even those as young as 8, say they need to know more now about topics parents may be reluctant to bring up. About half of 8-11 year olds want to know more about discrimination (57%), puberty (46%), alcohol and drugs (45%), and HIV/AIDS (41%). Older kids also say they still need more information about these issues, as well as about sexual decision making (46% of 12-15 year olds).

---African Americans in Advertising host tribute to Essence founders---
African Americans in Advertising (AAIA) will be hosting its 2nd Annual "Excellence in Advertising Award Dinner" on Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at Bridgewaters in New York City. This year AAIA will roast and toast the dual leadership and lifelong friendship of Edward Lewis, Publisher and CEO of Essence Magazine along with Clarence O. Smith, President & Co-Founder. AAIA, is a non-profit organization for professionals of color serving the advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, communication and media industries. Founded in January 1999, AAIA is an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). This organization serves as a network, think-tank, and resource for professionals and for persons aspiring towards careers in these fields. Join AAIA and our roasters Mr. Tom Burrell - Burrell Communications Group, Mr. Earl G. Graves, Sr. - Black Enterprise, Mr. Bernard Shaw - CNN, Ms. Terrie Williams - Terrie Williams Agency, Ms. Barbara Britton - Essence Magazine, Mr. Rayton Gerald - Associated Black Charities along with our evening's host Mr. David Ushery of ABC Eyewitness News and some special surprise guests, as we "sharpen our skewers" and pay tribute to two pioneers in the advertising industry. The 2nd Annual Excellence in Advertising Award roast is jointly sponsored by: Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, AdWeek Magazines, City & Suburban Styles, The Network Journal, Alize, Daily News and Unity First/African American Newswire. For tickets to the event, call (212) 323-8107.

---Tavis Smiley and Kweisi Mfume---
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will hold its 27th Annual National Convention and Career Fair in Indiana, the state where NSBE was conceived in 1975. The convention is scheduled from March 14-18, 2001 at the Indianapolis Convention Center/RCA Dome. This year's opening session speaker is Tavis Smiley of BET Tonight; the closing banquet speaker is Kweisi Mfume, President of the NAACP. Both speakers are sure to address the political climate and self-empowerment of African-Americans. New workshops have been added that deal with personal growth, homebuying and wealth-building. The National Society of Black Engineers supports and promotes the aspirations of professionals, university and pre-college students in technical fields. For more information on NSBE and the 27th Annual National Convention, visit at http://www.nsbe.org .

---Florida Memorial College Celebrates Religious Emphasis Week March 19-23---Rodney A. Coleman, senior partner in a nationally recognized government and public affairs consulting firm, is the keynote speaker for Florida Memorial College's Founders' Day program. The program will be held Tuesday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Matthew Gilbert Auditorium on the College's main campus. The College is located at 15800 NW 42nd Avenue in northwest Miami-Dade. The program is part of an annual week-long observation of Florida Memorial's "Religious Emphasis Week," which commemorates the institution's Baptist origins. This year marks Florida Memorial College's 122nd year since its inception in Live Oak, Florida. Founded in 1879, as Florida Baptist Institute in Live Oak, Florida, the college offered a secondary education to African Americans in an era when African Americans could only seek higher education through a black college. The college relocated to Miami in 1968.

---Job Opportunity of the Week---
The Massachusetts Charter School Association which has 40 member schools throughout the state will host its first annual job fair for teachers and Administrators on March 24, 2001 at City On A Hill Charter School, 320 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Hundreds of positions will be available in all teaching disciplines, including administrative and intern opportunities. Talk directly to representatives and join the movement to reform education!!! Diverse candidates are in demand. To pre-register, fax resume to : Job Fair, at (617) 262-9064. Bring 50+ copies of your resume to the fair. For additional information, email inquires to: Pat_ Melton-johnson@cityonahill.org.

---Career Focus: Looking for a Job in Education? ----
Log onto: http://www.nemnet.com
Nemnet - The National Employment Minority Network is a national minority recruitment firm that helps minority students and professionals who are looking for jobs in education. View over 1,000 Job Opportunities in Education [nationwide]. Post Your Resume Online. Register for NEMNET's upcoming Diversity Career Fairs…and more! The next fair will be held in: New Haven, CT (April 7, 2001). Join the Network Today! Its FREE! For more information call 800.964.0534 or visit them online at http://www.nemnet.com. The New Haven, CT April 7 [Sat.], 2001 fair will be held at Hamden Hall School, 1108 Whitney Avenue in New Haven, CT.

---Engineers Today---
The Engineering Program at Smith College seeks a highly motivated individual to join its new and growing department. The assistant to the director will work closely with faculty members and other offices on campus to facilitate financial and curricular aspects of the program. Interacting closely with the director, this individual will be responsible for grant-tracking, assistance with site visits to Smith's campus, pre-major advising, accreditation, program development, public relations, and other aspects of the Engineering Program. Qualifications: undergraduate degree in engineering or a physical science, two years experience in coordinating activities in corporate or academic settings, strong communication skills, experience in proposal and report writing, ability to work in fast-paced team setting.Review of resumes will begin immediately. Forward a resume and cover letter to: Smith College, Engineering Department, Box 3001, 51 College Lane, Northampton, MA 01063. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer encouraging excellence through diversity.

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