Dec 7, 2024 Story by: Editor
A California legislator is set to propose a bill that prioritizes descendants of enslaved individuals for admission to the state’s two largest public university systems.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, a Democrat representing parts of Los Angeles, announced his plans to introduce the bill during the swearing-in of new members for the legislative session in Sacramento. Speaking with The Associated Press, Bryan highlighted how universities have historically favored donors and their families in admissions.
“For decades universities gave preferential admission treatment to donors and their family members, while others tied to legacies of harm were ignored and at times outright excluded,” Bryan explained. “We have a moral responsibility to do all we can to right those wrongs.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Bryan’s office for further comments. This initiative emerges as the political landscape shifts under the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in college admissions. Critics argue that by prohibiting race-based preferences while allowing legacy admissions—which often benefit alumni and donor families—the decision disproportionately disadvantages students of color.
“There is a growing understanding of California’s role in perpetuating the inequalities that arose from slavery, and there’s a willingness to try to rectify that harm, to heal that harm,” Bryan remarked.
The proposed bill would prioritize the descendants of enslaved individuals for admission to the University of California and California State University systems. In 2023, Black students constituted about 4% of California State University’s student body and 4.7% at the University of California, according to official data.
This proposal aligns with broader reparations discussions in California, even though the state never officially permitted slavery. In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation issuing a formal apology for California’s legacy of racism and discrimination against Black residents. However, reparations efforts have seen varied results.
Lawmakers are also convening in a special session to devise strategies for safeguarding California’s progressive policies ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Trump has vowed to combat education and has repeatedly criticized the Department of Education. Source: FOX News
