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Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed    

September 15, 2025

Assembly Bill 7, which would allow California colleges to offer preferential admissions to descendants of enslaved people, has passed the State Senate and awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature by October 12. About 150 supporters rallied at the State Capitol urging the governor to sign the legislation, which is a key priority for the California Legislative Black Caucus as part of its "Road to Repair 2025" package. Supporters argue the bill focuses on lineage rather than race to withstand legal challenges, particularly after federal rulings against race-based affirmative action.

Who is affected

  • Descendants of enslaved people who would be eligible for preferential college admissions
  • Black students, who currently make up about 4% of the UC and California State University system's student population
  • Public and private colleges in California that would be permitted (but not required) to offer preferential admissions
  • The California Legislative Black Caucus and organizations supporting the bill, including Black Lives Matter Grassroots, Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative, University of California Student Association, and California Association of Black Lawyers
  • Governor Newsom, who must decide whether to sign the bill

What action is being taken

  • Supporters are rallying at the State Capitol urging Governor Newsom to sign AB 7
  • The bill has been sent to the governor's desk on September 12 after passing the State Senate with a 30-10 vote
  • College-aged students are actively engaging in support of the legislation
  • The California Association of Black Lawyers is defending the legality of AB 7, emphasizing its lineage focus rather than race-based approach
  • The California Legislative Black Caucus is promoting AB 7 as part of its broader "Road to Repair 2025" package

Why it matters

  • The bill addresses historical educational exclusion and aims to provide restorative justice
  • Black students are significantly underrepresented in California's university systems
  • The legislation represents a novel approach to educational equity following the Supreme Court's rejection of race-based affirmative action
  • AB 7 is designed to withstand legal challenges by focusing on lineage rather than race
  • The bill is part of a broader 16-bill initiative designed to confront the lasting effects of slavery and systemic racism in California

What's next

  • Governor Newsom has until October 12 to sign or veto the bill, or it automatically becomes law
  • If signed, colleges in California would be permitted to implement preferential admissions for descendants of enslaved people to the extent allowed by federal law
  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint