Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) announced plans to introduce a bill granting admission priority to descendants of slaves at the University of California and California State University systems. Bryan aims to address systemic racial disparities and advance reparations-related policies in higher education.
This proposal comes amid national debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle. Critics argue DEI programs are discriminatory, while advocates contend they combat long-standing inequities. Trump has suggested potential fines for universities maintaining DEI policies.
Bryan’s measure aligns with recommendations from California’s Black reparations task force and follows the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action. Legacy admissions, often benefiting wealthy, white applicants, remain legal and are seen as a continued barrier to students of color.
Black students represented only 4% of California State University and 4.7% of University of California enrollments in 2023. Bryan emphasized the importance of addressing historical harms, stating, “Repairing the harm and inequality that came from slavery… is a much bigger process.”
California has faced mixed results on reparations-related efforts. While Governor Gavin Newsom apologized for the state’s racist history, other reparations measures, such as creating an agency to administer programs, have failed to advance.
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
