California Lawmakers Push to Repeal Ban On Affirmative Action

On Monday, the University of California Board of Regents
unanimously voted to endorse a state measure to repeal Prop. 209, a
nearly 25-year-old law that bans consideration of race in
government contracts, public sector hiring, and college admissions.
The measure passed the California Assembly and if ratified by the
state Senate, will show up on the November ballot. Proponents argue
that barring state agencies and institutions from considering race
and gender has hindered equal representation and reinforced
systemic advantages for white-owned businesses and white students.
We discuss the prospects for restoring affirmative action in
California at a time when prejudice and institutional racism in
America are top of mind.