Californian task force revives rejected discrimination idea for reparations.

California Reparations Task Force Recommends Repealing Proposition 209

Compensation for Descendants of Slaves

The California reparations task force is proposing a bold move to amend the state’s constitution and repeal a law that outlaws racial discrimination. The group is advocating for the repeal of Proposition 209, which banned affirmative action in 1996. The task force is also recommending compensation for descendants of slaves, with an $800 billion proposal.

Repeal of Proposition 209

The task force’s final proposal report states that Proposition 209 has had a far-reaching impact on efforts to remediate systemic anti-Black bias and discrimination. Governor Newsom has claimed that the measure hinders schools seeking extra funding for black students. However, voters rejected the repeal years ago. The task force is now urging the legislature to take steps to repeal Proposition 209 until California’s constitution is cleansed of any measure rooted in racism.

Other Recommendations

The task force’s proposal includes other measures aimed at addressing the lasting harms of slavery. These include compensation for mass incarceration, finances for housing discrimination, and abolishing the death penalty. The proposal could push for a comprehensive effort to disrupt and dismantle institutionalized racism and address the specific injuries caused to descendants and the larger African American community.

Conclusion

The nine-member panel, five of whom were appointed by Governor Newsom, has been working for two years to create a report focusing on reparations for slavery. The report must be sent to the state legislature by July 1 for final approval. While Governor Newsom has declined to endorse specific recommendations, the task force’s proposal could be a significant step towards addressing the systemic discrimination faced by the African American community.