Focus on Racial Equity Outcomes. As one of the nation's first states with a majority of people of color, we must advance a proactive policy agenda that honors and addresses the diverse needs of all Californians

Focus on Racial Equity Outcomes. As one of the nation's first states with a majority of people of color, we must advance a proactive policy agenda that honors and addresses the diverse needs of all Californians. Good intentions are not enough. We must stand for what we believe in and never compromise our values without a fight. Ambitious policy solutions must promote accountability and work to overcome longstanding racial disparities and inequities.

Equity, Enfranchisement, and Economic Justice for All. California residents must have a right to full participation and access to benefits and institutions, including quality education, viable employment, affordable housing and health care, and the right to vote. Language, immigration status, income, and criminal history should never be used as tools to discriminate, deny access, and violate rights.

Invest in Opportunity and Advancement. We must invest in improving education, increasing access to services, strengthening our workforce, and building community and state infrastructure to ensure a brighter, stronger California. Revenues and investments should be based on a vision for our collective future.

Strengthen Protections against Racial Violence, Racial Profiling, and Discrimination. In a post-September 11th environment, communities of color are subject to individual acts of hate and government-sanctioned acts of profiling and discrimination. California must strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination protections, while also ensuring that no state resources are misused to target Californians based on race, ethnicity, or immigration status.

Join the Action Network! Sign the pledge to support the working principles of the California Racial Equity Initiative.

College Access Lobby Week: April 30 - May 4

Who decides the future of millions of students of color in California?

At one time it was felt that access to higher education was a good thing. California officials guaranteed that the state would make a state-supported college education available to all qualified students. But as the state’s demographics shifted, so did its priorities, and as a result racial disparities in public schools became deep and persistent. 

But students of color and their parents have high expectations, and they’re demanding that they be met by the state’s elected officials.  Take Action here for College Access.

The Applied Research Center’s College Access Lobby Week, held from April 30 to May 4, is making policy demands that meet those expectations. We are asking people to write a letter or make a phone call to your state legislator in support of two bills that could be a first step to ensuring that a high school diploma is a ticket to a successful future, either in college or on the job.

During the lobby week, we're sending two clear messages to the statehouse:

Better Information, Better Decisions.

• AB 428 requires high schools to provide parents and students with the information they need to make informed choices about the classes they need to take if they choose to graduate and attend a four year university. 
  

Prep for Success, Don't Set Up for Failure.

• AB 178 provides grants to the California's most troubled schools, where students of color are concentrated, to help establish pathways to college and real job skills. 

Join the campaign today

Sign up to get txt and email messages during the lobby week that tell you how to push your rep to support these bills.  Students, parents, teachers, advocates and supporters – sign up now.

Donate to ARC

Support our efforts to advance racial justice through research, advocacy and journalism. Donate Now.

Focus on Racial Equity Outcomes. As one of the nation's first states with a majority of people of color, we must advance a proactive policy agenda that honors and addresses the diverse needs of all Californians