Affirmative Action and Proposition 16 Frequently Asked Questions
Today California Competes released a new resource for those interested in learning more about Proposition 16, a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would restore affirmative action. The change would allow for race-based policies that aim to promote diversity in public education, public employment, and public contracting.
California Competes does not take positions on ballot measures. The Affirmative Action and Proposition 16 FAQ is intended to help voters understand the implications of the amendment and how it might impact education, employment, and other areas of life for Californians.
Affirmative action was one of the most influential policies of our time, and the decision to restore it will have tremendous implications for institutions seeking to be proactive in offering opportunities to underrepresented minorities and women.
Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez
“Voters need an objective source of information for their questions about Prop 16. Affirmative action was one of the most influential policies of our time, and the decision to restore it will have tremendous implications for institutions seeking to be proactive in offering opportunities to underrepresented minorities and women,” said California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez. “We hope this FAQ offers users a clear and easy to understand mechanism for diving into affirmative action before they decide which way to vote on the November ballot.”
The Affirmative Action and Proposition 16 FAQ covers who will be impacted by the measure and what have been the medium- and long-term effects of the affirmative action ban on college admissions. Questions include:
- Will this bring back the use of quotas in admissions, hiring, or contracting?
- Wasn’t affirmative action supposed to be a temporary solution to racism?
- How has Prop 209 (which banned affirmative action) impacted public hiring and employment?
Visit the Affirmative Action and Proposition 16 FAQ.
