Res. No.718 Resolution calling upon the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York to study the issue of discrimination against left-handed people in order to determine if left-handed people can be included as a protected class in anti-discrimination statutes. By Council Member Povman Whereas, According to some estimates, approximately 11% to 13% of the population in the United States is considered left-handed; and Whereas, Left-handed people have been discriminated against due to their left-handedness since time immemorial; and Whereas, According to Jeff Goldsmith, author of "Left-Handed in a Right-Handed World" and the "Left-Hander's Newsletter," it was only several decades ago that school teachers tied the left hands of students behind their backs until they learned how to write with their right hands; and Whereas, Discrimination against left-handedness can still be seen early in the educational experience when schools have few desks designed for left-handed students, gym instructors note the proper way to play a position, teachers insist on the pledge of allegiance with only the right hand, and computers have their mouse and number pads placed on the right side of the keyboards, actions that frustrate many left-handers; and Whereas, Society discriminates against left-handed people in other areas as well, such as when: banisters are placed on the right side of stairwells; doors are produced to open in favor of right-handed users; industry equipment is designed mostly for right-handed people; and consumers are charged more for their goods; and Whereas, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public places, education or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, and nationality, but not on the basis of "handedness;" and Whereas, State and City anti-discrimination statutes do not include left-handed people as a protected class; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York study the issue of discrimination against left-handed people in order to determine if left-handed people can be included as a protected class in anti-discrimination statutes. RAt:ts LS#1574 4/5/99 H:/word/resolutions/LS#1574