An Amendment to Address Systemic Inequalities in California
An amendment to California’s Constitution that would empower the governor to allocate funds for programs aimed at specific ethnic groups, genders, or sexual orientations has passed the Assembly and is now heading to the Senate. If approved by a two-thirds majority in the Senate, the amendment will be put on the 2024 ballot for voters to decide.
Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7, introduced by Assemblyman Corey Jackson (D-Perris), seeks to tackle the deep-rooted racial disparities in areas such as business contracting, education, housing, wealth, employment, and healthcare. The bill’s author emphasized the need to address these inequalities perpetuated by existing laws, policies, and institutions.
“Yesterday, we took a significant step toward addressing systemic disparities. ACA 7 aims to create positive change and improve outcomes for those disproportionately affected by systemic racism and discrimination,” Mr. Jackson said.
The proposed amendment would grant the governor the authority to allocate funds for research-based programs tailored to support specific groups. These programs would focus on increasing life expectancy, improving educational outcomes, and lifting people out of poverty.
The current Constitution, amended by Proposition 209 in 1996, prohibits the state from providing funds or special attention based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
Students hoping for a repeal of California’s Proposition 209 hold signs outside of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2012. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The author argues that Proposition 209 fails to address the current social landscape and limits the state’s ability to tackle systemic inequalities effectively. Previous attempts to amend Proposition 209, such as Proposition 16 in 2020, were rejected by California voters.
The California Teachers Association, representing over 310,000 educators, expressed support for ACA 7, stating that it would help close opportunity gaps and improve access to health and educational services for all residents of the state.
However, opponents argue that granting constitutional permission to discriminate, even in a limited manner, would undermine the equal rights of Californians.
The California State flag on Aug. 25, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Californians for Equal Rights, a non-profit organization, opposes race and sex-based preferences, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunity and support for all individuals, regardless of race or gender.
The bill is part of Assemblyman Jackson’s “anti-racism bill package,” which includes other measures aimed at addressing systemic inequalities and promoting equal rights.
What are the arguments of supporters and critics regarding the targeted allocation of resources towards specific groups, and how can these concerns be addressed in a fair and equitable manner
Y. By targeting funding towards specific ethnic groups, genders, or sexual orientations, the amendment seeks to address the systemic inequalities that have been entrenched in California’s society for far too long.
Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7 recognizes that certain communities have historically faced higher barriers and obstacles when it comes to accessing opportunities and resources. It aims to level the playing field by directing resources towards these groups, allowing them to overcome the challenges they face and create a more equitable society for all.
The bill has placed a particular emphasis on addressing racial disparities in various sectors, including business contracting, education, housing, wealth, employment, and healthcare. These areas have been identified as key drivers of inequality, perpetuating unequal outcomes for different groups in California. By specifically targeting funding towards research-based programs in these areas, the amendment seeks to address the root causes of inequality and create lasting change.
Assemblyman Corey Jackson, the author of the bill, has highlighted the urgent need to address these systemic inequalities. Existing laws, policies, and institutions have failed to adequately address and redress the disparities faced by marginalized communities. By empowering the governor to allocate funds towards programs tailored to specific groups, ACA 7 seeks to bring about positive change and improve outcomes for those disproportionately affected by systemic racism and discrimination.
The proposed amendment would grant the governor the authority to allocate funds for research-based programs that are tailored to support specific groups. These programs would focus on increasing life expectancy, improving educational outcomes, and lifting people out of poverty. By addressing these key areas, the amendment aims to uplift communities and foster social and economic mobility.
Supporters of ACA 7 argue that it is necessary to allocate resources in a targeted manner in order to effectively address the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups. They argue that a one-size-fits-all approach is not sufficient to address the deep-rooted inequalities that have persisted for generations. By acknowledging and directly confronting these systemic disparities, ACA 7 seeks to create a more just and equitable California.
However, critics argue that targeting resources towards specific groups could be seen as discriminatory or divisive. They express concerns that such an approach may further exacerbate tensions between different communities and undermine the principle of equal treatment under the law. It is important to acknowledge and address these concerns in order to ensure that the amendment is implemented in a fair and equitable manner.
Ultimately, the decision to pass Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7 and place it on the 2024 ballot now rests with the California Senate and its members. By approving this amendment, the Senate would allow Californian voters to have a say in this crucial matter, and to determine the future direction of the state in addressing systemic inequalities.
If passed by a two-thirds majority in the Senate and approved by the voters in 2024, this amendment could be a landmark step towards creating a more equitable and just society in California. By specifically targeting funding towards marginalized groups and addressing the root causes of inequality, the amendment seeks to dismantle the systemic barriers that have plagued the state for far too long. It is a bold and necessary step towards building a fair and inclusive California for all its residents.
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