Focus Areas

Proposition 16: Repeal Proposition 209 – Restore Affirmative Action

California State PTA supports Proposition 16

California State PTA is proud to support Prop.16 to restore critical equal opportunity policies in state hiring, contracting, and education.

WHY IS IT NEEDED?

Unfortunately, racism and sexism still deny equal opportunities in California. Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed — regardless of their gender, what they look like, or where they were born.

This constitutional amendment asks the voters of California to vote on permitting the use of race, gender, and ethnic diversity as factors (but not decisive factors) in education including college admissions, government hiring, and government contracting.

California State PTA believes in equity in every aspect of life for all children and youth, and effective governance systems and practices that are rooted in social justice to serve the needs of children, youth and families.

PTA was established to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children, youth and families. We must address a legacy of unequal treatment of marginalized groups and promote fairness and advance upward mobility, pay equity, and racial wealth gap reduction.

BACKGROUND

In 1996, California voters banned consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, and public contracting by passing Proposition 209.  This made California one of the few states in the nation to prohibit this consideration.

Federal law and most states allow policies and programs that consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.  Before Proposition 209, California supported policies and programs intended to increase opportunities and representation for people who faced inequalities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THIS INITIATIVE PASSED. WILL YOU SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER?

Click here to volunteer to help pass Proposition 16.

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