Educationally and Mentally Retarded

WHEREAS, a disproportionate number of African-American males are labeled Educationally Mentally Retarded ("EMR"); and

WHEREAS, these children are often labeled "EMR" by teachers or others in the education profession with no medical or psychiatric experience; and

WHEREAS, children labeled "EMR" are placed in educational programs which do not provide a standard diploma or occupational skills; and therefore receive social security benefits; and

WHEREAS, these social security benefits are discontinued at the age of 22 leaving these children with no means of livelihood.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP call upon educational agencies to "only" label children as educationally mentally retarded ("EMR") after examination and determination by licensed school psychologists, medical or psychiatric professionals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP advocate that those children properly diagnosed as "EMR" receive lifelong social security benefits.