Issue Position: Equal Rights

Issue Position

Patsy Keever supports equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, socio-economic status, political beliefs, religious/spiritual faith, age, or lifestyle.

Patsy first took a stand for equal rights as a student at Duke University in 1968 when she participated in "The Silent Vigil" on campus in support of a living wage for the university's largely African-American labor force.

In 1987, Patsy joined a Task Force to investigate racial discrimination in the South Buncombe County schools and made recommendations to the Buncombe County School Board for dealing with intolerance and bigotry.

During her 12 years as a Buncombe County Commissioner, Patsy led the way in appointing women and African Americans to county boards and commissions, an undertaking long overdue.

As a private citizen, Patsy participated in and continues to support Building Bridges, a local program designed to empower citizens to confront and overcome racism in our community.

In our march toward equality for all, Patsy is a staunch advocate for equal rights for our gay and lesbian community members. She supports the move by the Asheville City Council to provide domestic partner benefits for city employees with same-sex partners. Patsy believes that every citizen has equal rights and responsibilities in our community.

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