State Legislators, Stakeholders Announce Support of SCR 89 to Protect Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

California legislators and community leaders united today at the State Capitol for a press conference to announce their support of SCR 89 – authored by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) – that protects and strengthens diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public institutions and workplaces across the state. During the press event, 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,” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, Chair of the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. “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.”

SCR 89 is particularly urgent, given President 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 January 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. The executive actions are a significant setback, one that aims to dismantle hard-fought civil rights gains. 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 Senator 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.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alambra), Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and AAPI Legislative Caucus, 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,” said Assemblymember Fong. “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.”

California has long championed equity-driven governance, exemplified by Governor Newsom's 2022 Executive Order N-16-22, which directed state agencies to incorporate equity analyses into decision-making. More recently, both the State Senate and Assembly have moved to embed equity considerations into legislative workflows. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support of SCR 89 because it speaks to who we are as Californians, especially at this moment when there are people trying to divide us and roll back progress.

Diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t buzzwords — they represent California’s core values of fairness and dignity,” said Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “For women, especially women of color, these values matter because barriers to equity are real and have been here for generations. While some in our country ridicule our values, we unite and dig in, because when everyone feels like they belong, California is stronger. That’s how we move forward together, in strength and partnership.”

Through the passage of SCR 89, the resolutions 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.

“I am proud to join Senator Smallwood-Cuevas in advancing SCR 89 in order to make clear that diversity, equity and inclusion are not optional, it is foundational to ensuring every Californian has a fair shot at opportunity,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (D- San Diego), Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. “As attacks across the country seek to erase history, weaken protections, and limit who belongs, California is standing firm. Our diversity is our strength, and affirming equity and inclusion is not partisan — it is moral, practical, and necessary.”

Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) attended the press conference representing the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “As Vice Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, I proudly support SCR 89 and stand in solidarity with the communities impacted by these attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Senator Becker. “The Jewish community understands the pain of exclusion and the strength that comes from inclusion. These values are not only morally right, but they are also essential to who we are. With this bill, California will continue to lead by protecting dignity, expanding opportunity, and standing firmly for the principles that make our state and our nation strong.”

Dr. Hayley Hawthorne, Co-Chair & Director of Communication for the Statewide DEI Committee, also participated in the press event on behalf of her organization. “Like the Senator and others in support of the resolution, I am here today because California is a place for all, and we want to ensure that everyone in California has the opportunity to thrive.”

The full text of the SCR 89 resolution is available here. To watch the Senate floor remarks on SCR 89, please click here.

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas represents the 28^th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Mid City, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a worker rights and racial equity advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.

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