California Democratic Lawmakers Reaffirm Commitment to DEI
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
On Feb. 19, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D–Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 89, a measure affirming California’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
“We are California. DEI is in our DNA,” Smallwood-Cuevas said. “We’re proud to stand with our communities, who deserve the dignity and respect that DEI provides.”
The press event, held at the State Capitol, brought together stakeholders focused on social justice, civil rights, and workforce equity. Lawmakers and community advocates presented a united front against efforts in other parts of the country to roll back DEI policies.
SCR 89 passed the Senate the same day on a 29–7 vote. A Senate Concurrent Resolution is approved by both the Senate and Assembly and expresses the joint will or intent of the Legislature. It does not carry the force of law and does not require the governor’s signature.
The resolution urges local, state, and federal policymakers — as well as educational institutions and private employers — to uphold DEI principles while protecting constitutional rights and guarding against retaliation.
Among the legislators in attendance were Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D–Alameda), Chris Ward (D–San Diego), Tina McKinnor (D–Inglewood), Mike Fong (D–Monterey Park), Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D–Winters), and Senators María Elena Durazo (D–Los Angeles) and Caroline Menjivar (D–Burbank), all of whom voiced support for SCR 89.
“Today, I’m proud to stand with Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas and my colleagues to reaffirm California’s commitment to uplifting all communities and protecting inclusive educational environments in the face of federal rollbacks,” said Fong, chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Legislative Caucus. “Here in California, when we defend DEI measures, we protect opportunity for students, immigrants, and diverse communities.”
In January 2025, President Donald Trump began dismantling federal DEI programs through a series of executive orders targeting initiatives in federal agencies, the military, and among contractors. He described such programs as “radical” and discriminatory, arguing that opportunity should not be determined by race or sex.
Smallwood-Cuevas said Trump’s actions have cast DEI in a negative light and caused harm in California. She argued that SCR 89 reinforces DEI as foundational to achieving the American Dream.
She also criticized the reported firing of 2,000 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission workers and the closure of civil rights offices, calling the moves detrimental to underrepresented communities.
Lawmakers emphasized that DEI efforts are also vital to people with disabilities, noting that equity ensures access, representation, and meaningful opportunity.
“Addressing structural disparities in our state is essential to California’s survival and prosperity,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.
Former State Sen. Steve Bradford Announces New Endorsements of His Campaign for Insurance Commissioner
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Former Assemblymember and State Senator Steve Bradford announced a wide-ranging slate of new endorsements in his campaign for California Insurance Commissioner, signaling growing support from local leaders, elected officials, and labor organizations across the state.
“These leaders understand firsthand how insurance impacts families, businesses, and entire communities,” Bradford said. “From homeowners struggling to keep coverage, to cities recovering after disasters, Californians need an Insurance Commissioner who will protect consumers and stabilize the market. I’m honored to earn the support of leaders who are on the front lines every day.”
Bradford’s supporters include mayors, city council members, county supervisors, and school board officials from across California, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper, and city leaders from Gardena, Lawndale, Carson, Culver City, Torrance, and Victorville. Education leaders also backing Bradford include Tanya Ortiz Franklin of the Los Angeles Unified School District and Sunny Zia of the Long Beach Community College District.
Labor and advocacy groups have joined the coalition as well, according to Bradford’s campaign, including Teamsters California, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 13, and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).
State and federal officials endorsing Bradford include U.S. Congressmembers Adam Gray (D-CA-13) and Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Emeritus John A. Pérez.
