California Proposition 16: Repeal of Affirmative Action Ban Fails

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Los Angeles, CA -- California Proposition 16, a ballot measure that sought to repeal Proposition 209's ban on affirmative action in public education and employment, was defeated in the November 3, 2020, election.

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Proposition 16, which would have amended the California Constitution to allow the consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education and employment, was narrowly defeated by a margin of approximately 57% to 43%. The measure had faced strong opposition from groups that argued that affirmative action policies are unfair and discriminatory.

Supporters of Proposition 16 argued that the ban on affirmative action had created barriers for underrepresented groups in education and employment and that its repeal was necessary to promote equity and fairness. However, opponents argued that affirmative action policies unfairly benefited certain groups over others and that they undermined the principle of equal opportunity.

The defeat of Proposition 16 marks a significant setback for efforts to expand affirmative action in California. The ban on affirmative action was originally passed by voters in 1996, and it has been upheld by the courts ever since.