American Historical Association

Annual Report 2008

Resolution Adopted at the 123rd Business Meeting Regarding the 2010 American Historical Association Annual Meeting

Whereas, The AHA is committed to equity in the workplace and equal rights regardless of race, ethnicity, religious belief, disability, gender, or sexual orientation; and

Whereas, A boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in 2010 would actually benefit the owner financially, but would cause severe financial loss for the AHA;

Resolved, That the AHA will implement the following strategies that it believes will more effectively bring attention to this issue, to express its concern and criticism with regard to the hotel owner’s donation to the campaign in favor of Proposition 8:

Form a working group to collaborate with the 2010 Program Committee and the LGBTQ Task Force to create a series of sessions and special events that will address issues of equity and place questions of marriage and family in historical perspective. The events will be located in the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego with the deliberate intention of highlighting the AHA’s intellectual and ethical objections to Doug Manchester’s support of Proposition 8.

Set aside $62,500 of AHA funds, and up to $100,000 if needed if matching funds from members and outside donors are not raised, to support any initiatives in this vein proposed by the working group, Program Committee, or LGBTQ Task Force.

Arrange press coverage and invite public participation from San Diego and the surrounding communities to publicize the AHA’s position on equity and equal rights, and the Association’s consequent objections to Proposition 8, as fully as possible. The American Historical Association proposes to use this Annual Meeting as an opportunity to education its members and the public on this issue.

Make hotel rooms available in convenient alternative venues for AHA members who do not wish to patronize the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.