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July 26, 1997

Dear Friends,

NationsBank has a practice that is contrary to the American ideal that all are "created equal." A fundamental part of being an American, steaming from the Constitution and reiterated in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, is that no U.S. citizen should face discrimination due to gender, national origin, religion, race or disability.

NationsBank has adopted a procedure that favors citizens that drive a car. Although the State issued non- drivers ID card requires the same identification, carries the state seal, and has exactly the same authority from the State of Tennessee, your process arbitrarily excludes people that use the ID as a convenient substitute for a driver's license.

The impact is insulting and demeaning to citizens with disabilities that have encountered the double standard. Many Americans choose not to, or cannot drive a motor vehicle due to a sensory or physical impairment. All fifty states, however, offer alternative identification to those people that are not licensed to drive. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is very clear that "it is discrimination to apply eligibility criteria or standards that screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a disability." (DREDF III p. 74; [28 CFR part 36 Section 36.301 p. 35563])

The Memphis Center for Independent Living, a community based organization advocating for people with disabilities, and your bank customers are demanding change.

• First, within 21 days, NationsBank correct the policy that discriminates against citizens that do not drive. An ADA Complaint form will be filled out July 26, and be mailed to the Department of Justice on August 16, if complete resolution of this injustice is not resolved. Local advocates will be notified to ensure a swift solution.

• Secondly, the bank's administrator in charge of compliance with the ADA, inform all of the company employees and staff the import of respecting the civil rights of all Americans.

• Finally, that NationsBank pursue and promote adherence to the ADA by all banks, companies and individuals they do business with.

Sincerely,
Tim Wheat
Memphis Center for Independent Living

The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org 

MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency

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