California Governor Gavin Newsom Vetoes Reparations Bill for Slave Descendants

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed Assembly Bill 7, which would have allowed public and private colleges to give preferential admissions to applicants descended from enslaved individuals. In his veto message, Newsom described the bill as “unnecessary,” asserting that universities already possess the authority to consider such preferences in admissions decisions. The bill, which passed the Assembly with a vote of 55-18 and the Senate with 30-10, aimed to address historical injustices faced by Black Americans and was part of a broader reparations initiative pushed by the California Legislative Black Caucus.

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The veto comes amid a complex landscape of reparations discussions in California, which began in earnest following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. In 2020, the state established a task force to study reparations, leading to a series of legislative proposals aimed at addressing systemic discrimination. While Newsom has signed some measures, including Senate Bill 518, which creates the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, he has also vetoed several key bills, including those aimed at providing housing assistance and expediting professional licenses for descendants of enslaved people.

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Critics of AB 7 argued that it could violate Proposition 209, which prohibits race-based admissions in California, and the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action. Legal experts expressed concerns that the bill could be seen as a proxy for race-based admissions, potentially inviting legal challenges. Newsom's veto reflects a cautious approach amid heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has targeted diversity initiatives in higher education.

Newsom Blocks College Preference Bill for Slave Descendants

In his veto message, Newsom encouraged educational institutions to explore how they might adopt admissions preferences for descendants of slavery, stating, “I encourage the institutions referenced in this bill to review and determine how, when, and if this type of preference can be adopted.” Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, the bill's author, expressed disappointment, stating, “While the Trump Administration threatens our institutions of higher learning and attacks the foundations of diversity and inclusivity, now is not the time to shy away from the fight to protect students who have descended from legacies of harm and exclusion.”

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The veto has drawn backlash from progressives and advocates for racial justice, who view it as a setback for the reparations movement. Critics argue that Newsom's selective support undermines the broader vision of reparations and that his actions do not align with his previous commitments to address racial disparities. Juliana Williams, a spokesperson for the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth, stated, “At this stage, anything less than full commitment feels like a retreat from the promise of truth, reconciliation, and justice.”

Despite the veto, advocates remain committed to pursuing reparative policies. The establishment of the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery is seen as a crucial step, but its effectiveness will depend on future funding and legislative support. As discussions continue, proponents of AB 7 and similar measures plan to regroup and strategize for future legislative sessions, emphasizing the need for tangible reparations for the descendants of enslaved individuals.

The Guardian