Wave Staff Report
SACRAMENTO — State lawmakers and community leaders gathered Feb. 20 at the State Capitol for a news conference announcing their support of SCR 89 – authored by state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, that protects and strengthens diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public institutions and workplaces across the state.
State legislators highlighted how protections to diversity, equity and inclusion help break barriers and open doors of opportunities leading to stronger communities and a more inclusive economy.
SCR 89 ultimately received a majority approval on the Senate floor.
“DEI is not charity. It is sound governance, guided by evidence, shaped by history, and grounded in the Constitution’s promise of equal protection,” Smallwood-Cuevas said. ,“SCR 89 is a call to action to defend the California majority, protect investments that expand opportunity, and hold institutions accountable when they attempt to quietly roll back equity commitments.”
Smallwood-Cuevas, who chair the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, said SCR 89 is particularly urgent, given President Donald Trump’s executive actions that have threatened to reverse decades of civil rights progress and undermines efforts to create a more equitable and representative government.
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, requiring federal agencies to create plans to phase out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in governmental institutions. Over the past year, at least 10 state agencies or public university programs in California have faced cuts or closures to their diversity, equity and inclusion-related initiatives.
“As federal policies continue to attack diversity, equity and inclusion, California is moving forward with purpose,” said state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, D-San Diego. “SCR 89 reaffirms our state’s commitment to DEI because we know it’s not a slogan but a necessity for strong communities, fair opportunity, and a thriving future.”
Assemblyman Mike Fong, D-Alhambra, chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, also spoke about President Trump’s actions to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Today, we are witnessing direct attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from our president and the federal government, as executive actions attempt to limit DEI programs and eliminate funding that supports historically underrepresented communities,” Fong said. “These actions create uncertainty for campuses and threaten critical student support services that ensure meaningful access to higher education.
“SCR 89 reaffirms California’s commitment to protecting inclusive educational environments, because when we protect DEI measures, we protect opportunities for students striving to fulfill their dreams.”
Through the passage of SCR 89, the resolution helps protect diversity, equity and inclusion across California by:
• Affirming that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to achieving the American Dream for everyone,
• Recognizing that removing barriers — not lowering standards — allows merit, talent and hard work to thrive.
• Reaffirming California’s leadership in embedding equity into public institutions and decision-making.
• And calling on government, schools and workplaces to uphold diversity, equity and inclusion as a safeguard for opportunity, civil rights and democracy.
“Addressing structural disparities in our state is essential to California’s survival and prosperity,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.
