Letter from Clarence Thomas to President Ronald Reagan regarding black appointees, 07/10/1984

#231553 fullen The President has seen DIFFERENT EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION EQUAL WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506 COMMISSION July 10, 1984 OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Ronald Reagan The President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: I would like to thank you for hosting and attending the recent briefing for your Black appointees. Although I am always concerned about events or activities which are defined along racial or gender lines, this event was necessary for several reasons. First, there has been a feeling of isolation among Black appointees for some time. This is particularly noteworthy because of the perceived anti-minority views of our Administration. Second, and somewhat related, there is tremendous hostility toward Black appointees by other Blacks, as a result of the very negative perception of our Administration among Blacks. The issue of civil rights is the main ingredient in this negative perception. It was particularly appropriate that appointees who are subjected to this criticism, but who do not work in the area of civil rights, be brought up to date in order that they might be better able to defend them- selves and the Administration. Moreover, the appointees did provide relevant feedback about the perceptions of Administra- tion policies, especially the perception that, with the exception of opposition to quotas and busing, no positive or coherent policy exists. Again, I thank you for arranging the briefing. With best wishes. Sincerely, Clarace Shamas Clarence Thomas Chairman