Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas: Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 89 at the State Capitol to reaffirm the state’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as foundational to justice, opportunity, and good governance. The resolution is a direct response to growing efforts by the federal government and some in the private sector — specifically under the Trump administration — to dismantle DEI programs and policies. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey Feb. 19.
Sacramento, CA — On Feb. 19, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D–Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 89, a measure affirming California’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
“We are California. DEI is in our DNA,” Smallwood-Cuevas said. “We’re proud to stand with our communities, who deserve the dignity and respect that DEI provides.”
The press event, held at the State Capitol, brought together stakeholders focused on social justice, civil rights, and workforce equity. Lawmakers and community advocates presented a united front against efforts in other parts of the country to roll back DEI policies.
SCR 89 passed the Senate the same day on a 29–7 vote. A Senate Concurrent Resolution is approved by both the Senate and Assembly and expresses the joint will or intent of the Legislature. It does not carry the force of law and does not require the governor’s signature.
The resolution urges local, state, and federal policymakers — as well as educational institutions and private employers — to uphold DEI principles while protecting constitutional rights and guarding against retaliation.
Among the legislators in attendance were Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D–Alameda), Chris Ward (D–San Diego), Tina McKinnor (D–Inglewood), Mike Fong (D–Monterey Park), Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D–Winters), and Senators María Elena Durazo (D–Los Angeles) and Caroline Menjivar (D–Burbank), all of whom voiced support for SCR 89.
“Today, I’m proud to stand with Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas and my colleagues to reaffirm California’s commitment to uplifting all communities and protecting inclusive educational environments in the face of federal rollbacks,” said Fong, chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Legislative Caucus. “Here in California, when we defend DEI measures, we protect opportunity for students, immigrants, and diverse communities.”
In January 2025, President Donald Trump began dismantling federal DEI programs through a series of executive orders targeting initiatives in federal agencies, the military, and among contractors. He described such programs as “radical” and discriminatory, arguing that opportunity should not be determined by race or sex.
Smallwood-Cuevas said Trump’s actions have cast DEI in a negative light and caused harm in California. She argued that SCR 89 reinforces DEI as foundational to achieving the American Dream.
She also criticized the reported firing of 2,000 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission workers and the closure of civil rights offices, calling the moves detrimental to underrepresented communities.
Lawmakers emphasized that DEI efforts are also vital to people with disabilities, noting that equity ensures access, representation, and meaningful opportunity.
“Addressing structural disparities in our state is essential to California’s survival and prosperity,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.
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Bo Tefu, California Black Media contributed to this report.
