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-93- With the Congress's strong endorsement, the Institution has implemented two new special employment initiatives: the "Quick-Hire" program and Step-Up 90, an expanded Upward Mobility program. These programs are being used to advance the careers of minorities more effectively. In addition, there are now more in-house training courses available for supervisors. Despite a 4.5 percent decrease in the size of the Smithsonian's total work force during this reporting period, the number of Asian American men and Hispanic men and women in professional positions increased. Detailed employment profiles of each key personnel group, displaying data on race, sex, and ethnicity are provided in this latest Equal Opportunity Report. The Office of Equal Opportunity has initiated a program to revalidate such data and has improved coding and analysis methods for greater statistical accuracy. Looking Ahead The Stunning global events of this past year have spurred a newfound optimism in humanity's common aspirations. We have seen knowledge triumph over ignorance, truth prevail over lies, and freedom light the darkened hearts of millions. For nearly 150 years, the Smithsonian has come to stand for these same ends. And although its many accomplishments may appear to shrink in the wake of such monumental worldwide changes, they nevertheless stand tall as reminders of Mr. Smithson's noble ideals. As the decade unfolds, his vision of a global society enriched with a bountiful knowledge of itself is a welcome and uplifting image of things yet to come. [[underlined]] ADDITIONAL STATUS REPORTS [[/underlined]] The Secretary drew attention to the following status reports and invited questions and comments from the Regents: * * * * * [[underlined]] AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESENCE PROJECT [[/underlined]] The Secretary has announced the appointment of Ms. Claudine Brown, until recently the assistant director for government and community relations at the Brooklyn Museum, as the interim director of the African American Presence on the Mall Project at the Smithsonian, effective January 15, 1990 (see the accompanying press release). A total of $80,000 from the Federal budget and $70,000 in trust funds has been allocated for fiscal year 1990 to begin the Project. Based on the recommendations of a select group who met at the Smithsonian on October 11, the Secretary is establishing a working committee this January and meetings are expected to follow shortly. A report prepared by that working committee for review by a larger group of advisors should be ready in the early fall, and an interim report will be prepared for the fall meeting of the Regents.