Juneteenth: A reminder that affirmative action undermines equality

Communities around California and the nation are gathering this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth, the traditional day marking liberation from slavery. It is a day that reminds us that we ought to be equal under the law.And Californians believe opportunity should be based on merit and hard work, not race.That is why every time the voters of California are asked to change the state constitution to allow for affirmative action, defined as preferential treatment for government jobs or admission to public universities based on background characteristics, they say no.

Time and again.But the debate is reemerging once again — this time in the form of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7, a proposal that would repeal protections approved by voters in 1996 through Proposition 209.In that 1996 ballot initiative, Californians rightly established a basic principle: The state shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education or government employment.ACA 7 would roll back those protections by allowing race-based admissions policies at California’s public institutions of higher education.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Supporters of ACA 7 argue that affirmative action is necessary to address past racial injustice and improve representation at universities across the Golden State.While California has a complicated history that included real discrimination and barriers to opportunity, past injustices do not always reflect an individual’s current circumstances or level of disadvantage today.

A student from a wealthy or well-connected background may still receive preferential treatment based on race, while another student from a struggling working-class family may not.That is why Californians have re...