Ideologues and radicals are unfazed by setbacks and reality checks. No matter how many times illiberal proposals for racial discrimination have failed by popular vote, gubernatorial veto or political calculations, they constantly come up with new wineskins to promote the scheme of treating people differently on the basis of race or color. Rhetorical subtefuges, pleasant-sounding euphemisms and confusing proxies are all weapons in the radicals’ arsenal.

In the California Legislature, “reparations” is the new codename for unconstitutional racial preferences.**Under the mantel of reparations, the California Legislative Black Caucus unveiled its “Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package” in February, presenting a slew of legislation aimed at “addressing the systemic barriers that Black Californians continue to face,” rather than remedying historical wrongs as a result of slavery. The politicians also want these bills to help “build a more just and equitable future.” Altogether, the bill authors are not shy about their intent to use descendancy from slavery as a race proxy. If passed, each of these bills will inevitably lead to violations of Proposition 209 and perpetuate the ideology of dividing Californians (and Americans) by race.

This is, in essence, DEI 2.0.

Sadly, against prevailing public opinions for equal treatment and against sound political judgement, the state legislature is actively moving DEI 2.0 through the committee process. A number of committee hearings have been scheduled on Tuesday (April 22) and Wednesday (April 23). As one of the first organizations to expose the race-based nature of reparations in California and the state’s recognized opposition to many reparations-themed proposals, CFER plans to speak at the hearings and organize the public to show up in support on April 22/23 in the state capitol.

On Tuesday, April 22,

· 8 am: the Assembly Judiciary Committee will hear testimonies and vote on AB 57, home purchase assistance for descendants of slaves.

· 8:30 am: the Assembly Public Safety Committee will discuss and vote on AB 1071, criminal procedure reform to combat “systemic racism and white supremacy.”

· 9:30 am: the Senate Judiciary Committee will decide on SB 437, allocation of $6 million to the California State University to conduct further research on reparations “for African Americans.”

· 1:30 pm: the Assembly Higher Education Committee will hear AB 7, college admissions preferences for slave descendants.

On Wednesday, April 23,

· 9 am: the Senate Education Committee will hear SB 510, racial history education on “segregation, slavery, and systemic discrimination.”

· 9:30 am: the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement will discuss and vote on SB 464, employer pay data reporting based on “race, ethnicity, sex and sexual orientation.”

· 9:30 am: the Senate Local Government Committee will decide SB 21, equity workforce development based on race and gender.

If you live near Sacramento, I encourage you to join CFER on either (or both) of the dates to rally against the state’s wrongheaded push for discrimination. On each day (April 22 and April 23), we will meet in the morning in front of the State Office Building at 1021 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814. Reply to info@cferfoundation.org and let us know if you can participate so that we can coordinate further.

· We will start at 8 am on Tuesday, April 22.

· We will start at 8:45 am on Wednesday, April 22.

With your participation, we can demonstrate to state lawmakers that the grassroots coalition organized to defeat Proposition 16 is still active today to monitor, defend and promote equal rights. We will have some pamphlets and T-shirts ready for you. Please consider being a part of this important effort!

We also understand that you may not be able to make it to Sacramento. But you can still show support for CFER’s work with a generous donation – it will be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!