California’s Affirmative Action Ban Shutdown Analysis of Racial and Gender Disparities in the State

Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund says the passage of Prop. 16 will reopen discussions on race and gender disparities in California, which were shutdown by the 1996 ban on affirmative action (Proposition 209).

Businesses Owned by People of Color and Women Lose Billions as a Result of Affirmative Action Ban

Eva Paterson, President and Founder of The Equal Justice Society, says systemic racism has undermined the political and economic power of people of color. She says reinstating affirmative action will help in “very concrete ways,” including providing more educational opportunities for girls and students of color. Paterson notes that affirmative action policies based on class and poverty fail to desegregate our communities.

Race and Gender Conscious Programs Allow Us to Address Discrimination

Vincent Pan, Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, discusses barriers face by the Asian American community and says affirmative action is about equal pay and representation for women and people of color. He also notes that many small, Asian-owned businesses were left out of the Paycheck Protection Program and says that affirmative actions measures would have allowed the government to more specifically tailor programs to make sure all business owners were able access the support they were entitled to.

Affirmative Action – Can It Reduce Racial & Ethnic Inequities?

24 years ago California voters passed Proposition 209 banning racial preferences in admission to public universities, inspiring similar changes in nearly a dozen states. This November, affirmative action is again on the ballot in California (Proposition 16) at a time of growing protests over racial injustice. Meanwhile, opponents of affirmative action have challenged race-based preferences in the Supreme Court and last month the Department of Justice accused Yale of illegal admissions discrimination against white and Asian American students. A panel of veteran civil rights leaders makes the case for affirmative action as a tool for improving racial opportunity gaps in higher education, the work place and the culture.

COMING EVENTS

SPOTTING AND PREVENTING SCAMS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE?

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 am-12:30 pm PDT

WHY: Pandemic-related scams are flourishing amidst deepening economic hardships –desperation is a perfect seedground for fraud. In this briefing with ethnic and community media, the FTC joins with legal experts, law enforcement professionals, nonprofits like the BBB and community service providers to spotlight the landscape of consumer fraud as it is impacting the Inland Empire.

 

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RECENT EVENTS

ON LIFE SUPPORT BECAUSE OF COVID-19: WILL ARTS AND CULTURE NEED A “NEW DEAL” TO SURVIVE?

WHEN: Friday, September 11, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm-3 pm EDT

WHY: Since the first COVID-19 case was reported in January 2020, virtually every arts organization in the country has had cancellations; theaters and performing venues have gone dark; productions and tours have been halted, at a combined loss of $12 billion. Some 94% of artists and performers have seen their incomes plummet, according to Americans for the Arts. EMS speaks with arts promoters and artists to learn more about the effects of the pandemic and what it would take to rescue arts in the United States.

VOTING ACCESS AND SAFETY DURING THE PANDEMIC: IS CALIFORNIA READY?

WHEN: Wednesday, September 9th, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. PDT

WHY: The Golden State has pledged to make mail-in ballots available for all voters and to be ready to receive the influx, as well as to make in-person voting available for those who want to use it. Is California ready to ensure that all communities get a chance to vote in a safe manner, guarantee access to special needs and seniors as well as immigrant and first time voters?

REFRAMING THE DEBATE OVER LAW AND ORDER: HOW TO PROVIDE SAFETY AND JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND ASSESS IMPACT OF RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM?

WHEN: Friday, September 4, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm-3 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

BRIEFING WITH ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAVID CHIU: UPDATE ON LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS EVICTION CRISIS FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 11:00-11:45 am PDT

WHY: Assemblymember David Chiu has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to avoid mass evictions of millions of Californians who are out of rent while ensuring that landlords are able to meet their financial obligations. He will provide an update on what the legislature was and wasn’t able to do and outline next steps.

HUNGER IN AMERICA NEARS LEVELS OF GREAT DEPRESSION – WHAT CAN BE DONE?

WHEN: Friday, August 28, 2020, 11 am PDT / 2 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

DEPRESSION – WHAT CAN BE DONE?

WHEN: Friday, August 28, 2020, 11 am PDT / 2 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

HOW SECURE IS OUR RIGHT TO VOTE? THE STAKES AND CHALLENGES FOR AMERICA’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM?

WHEN: Friday, August 21, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: For the first time voters of color represent a rising proportion of voters in both the 2020 presidential elections and in many swing states. Yet experts point to widespread dysfunctions in the electoral system — exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic — which threaten voter access especially in communities of color. The conference will provide an overview on what needs to be done to secure people’s right to vote; a new survey of concerns by first-time API and LatinX voters; issues of language access; and Black voter suppression in key southern states.

THE SCIENCE OF COVID-19: WHAT WE STILL DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS, TREATMENTS AND VACCINE, STOPPING THE SPREAD?

WHEN: Friday, August 14, 11:15 am-12:15 pm PDT / 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm EDT

WHY: Seven months into the pandemic, what have we learned about the virus and what do we need to know? How close are we to a vaccine and what treatments work best? Why haven’t we been able to stop the spread? Three leading experts will address these and related questions in a one-hour discussion.

AMID PANDEMIC, TRUMP ESCALATES WAR ON IMMIGRANTS

WHEN: Friday, August 7, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: Immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the nation’s essential workers, have nonetheless been targeted by the Trump administration during the pandemic. This briefing will explore the huge number of changes to immigration policy in recent months, with deep dives into DACA, Temporary Protected Status, and business immigration.

EVICTION THREAT LOOMS: 350 LATINX FAMILIES FIGHT BACK IN EAST PALO ALTO

WHEN: Monday, August 3, 11 am-12 pm PDT

WHY: Three families who rent apartments in East Palo Alto, lost work due to COVID-19 and now face eviction share their stories and how they organized to form a wider network to renegotiate with landlords.

DISTANCE LEARNING FOR K-12: CAN IT BE DONE WITH EQUITY FOR ALL KIDS?

WHEN: Friday, July 31, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: Most school districts across the country will rely on distance learning or hybrid models at the beginning of the school year, providing a challenge to educators and parents. As some families seek creative solutions –learning pods, tutors- what can be done to make sure that vulnerable and low income students who have limited options do not fall further behind?

AS THREAT LOOMS OVER CENSUS 2020, AN UPDATE FROM STATES AND COMMUNITIES AT RISK OF AN UNDERCOUNT

WHEN: Friday, July 24, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: As enumerators get ready to knock on doors starting August 11 to follow up on households that failed to self-respond to the Census questionnaire, and the Trump Administration issues a policy order seeking to bar undocumented immigrants from being counted for reapportionment, experts provide updates on what states and populations are being left behind, how enumerators will deal with the pandemic, and what options are available if there is a huge undercount.

FALLOUT FROM THE PANDEMIC: A TSUNAMI OF EVICTIONS POISED TO HIT U.S.

WHEN/WHERE: July 17, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Millions of workers laid off during the COVID pandemic have not been able to pay their rents. State and local politicians have enacted eviction moratoriums. But many of those protections are set to expire in August, setting off a tidal wave of evictions. Speakers will explore who is most at risk, measures to extend the moratoriums, and litigation and advocacy aimed at protecting tenants.

CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST SPOT FOR COVID-19: IMPERIAL COUNTY’S LESSONS FOR FIGHTING THE SURGE

WHEN/WHERE: July 10, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Imperial county has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in California – six times higher than the state average – and the case load is rising, ICU units are 98% full. One fourth of residents live in poverty, 85% are Latino. The county is a microcosm of the racial and economic disparities that fuel the surge. Why have public health strategies failed so far? What do those advocating for the most vulnerable residents – farmworkers, low wage essential workers – think should be done?

GOOD NEWS IN CHALLENGING TIMES: SAN MATEO COUNTY LEADS STATE IN CENSUS SELF RESPONSE RATES 

WHEN/WHERE: June 30, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Leaders of San Mateo’s census outreach discuss how the county wound up leading the state with the highest self-response rates as of mid-June, and spotlight the areas where they are still grappling with high undercounts. Can San Mateo offer lessons for neighboring counties like San Francisco which lag behind the state average?

STRATEGIES FOR KEEPING IMMIGRANT FAMILIES HEALTHY AND SAFE

WHEN/WHERE: June 26, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: COVID-19 is having a disparate impact on communities of color and immigrants as widespread fear and confusion fueled by anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies prevent many immigrants from accessing health care and other services. This briefing will provide information about the programs and supports immigrants are eligible for, explain how to access them, and share an on-the-ground view of the impact of the pandemic on immigrant communities. Advocates will also share what is happening to fight for the inclusion of immigrants in future legislation.

SPOTTING AND AVOIDING SCAMS TARGETING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN INDIANAPOLIS + INDIANA

WHEN/WHERE: June 25, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM EST, online video conference

WHY: Every year, scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from people, selling fake services and worthless products. Scammers pretending to be the government threaten people with jail if they don’t pay nonexistent fines or fees. Our briefing will bring together public officials, legal aid providers, community advocates, and those who’ve experienced fraud to talk with local reporters about how to better inform people and help them protect themselves from scams.

GOING BACK TO “NORMAL” IS NOT AN OPTION AS U.S. SYSTEMS FAIL – CAN WE IMAGINE A MORE EQUITABLE FUTURE?

WHEN/WHERE: June 19, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The inadequacy of America’s health care, economic, and policing systems has been laid bare by a perfect storm of crises that are hitting the country at the same time.  Four experts in the fields of race relations and criminal justice reform, immigrant integration, the job sector, and health care will share their perspectives on how to reimagine these systems in hopes of building a more equitable future.

WHY ARE OLDER AMERICANS SHOWING THE HIGHEST COVID-19 FATALITY RATES?

WHEN/WHERE: June 12, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY:8 out of 10 COVID-related deaths in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Up to 70 percent of COVID 19 hospitalizations are of people aged 85 or older in certain communities.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC: CAUGHT IN THE GRIP OF A TRIPLE CRISIS – HOW DOES AMERICA MOVE FORWARD?

WHEN/WHERE: June 5, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:The United States is in the grip of a triple crisis: the COVID 19 pandemic, the resulting economic collapse and an eruption of civil unrest over racial injustice. What have we learned and what can we do to address the deep seated structural inequalities these crises reveal. EMS has invited leaders and advocates in the civil rights and racial justice field to share their recommendations.

CALL-TO-ACTION TO SAN FRANCISCO PARENTS: COUNT US IN!

WHEN/WHERE: June 3, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: EMS announce the winners of an Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) – sponsored city-wide contest for 14-21 year-olds on “Why My Family Counts” and introduces four of the 100-plus contestants. Census advocates document how San Francisco is behind the state-wide average in self-response rates, possible reasons why and what is to be done.

STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

WHEN/WHERE: May 29, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:A majority of “mom and pop” small businesses are founded by ethnic Americans. Many have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS’s May 29 briefing brings together experts to discuss strategies for recovery and even long-term growth. Overall, 90 percent of minority and women founded business were shut out of the Paycheck Protection Program.

THE SHADOW PANDEMIC: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON WOMEN

WHEN/WHERE: May 22, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: Experts will present and discuss a UN Women Report that explains how the crisis has exacerbated gender inequality, discuss the history of women and pandemics and track the rise of domestic violence and impact on key women issues going forward.

CENSUS DELAYS – WHAT TEXAS REDISTRICTING MEANS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

WHEN/WHERE: May 20, 1 PM – 2 PM CST, online video conference

WHY: A delay in the census because of COVID-19 pandemic could push Texas redistricting into legislative overtime. Next year’s redistricting round will be the first time in nearly half a century that the Texas legislature can redraw maps without any federal supervision to ensure they don’t discriminate against communities of color.

CORONAVIRUS SCAMS, HOW TO AVOID THEM, RESOURCES FOR DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC’S FINANCIAL IMPACT

WHEN/WHERE: May 15, 11-11:30 PM PST (English) & 11:30-12 PM PST (Spanish), online video conference

WHY: Two experts – both lawyers with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency – will share information on Coronavirus scams they’re seeing, advice on how to avoid them, and resources for getting through the pandemic’s financial impact.

MIDDLE EASTERN NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) AND THE 2020 CENSUS – THE STAKES FOR POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

WHEN/WHERE: May 13, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from California to discuss the challenges of engaging Middle Eastern and North African communities in the 2020 census, featuring media, community leaders, and stakeholders.

COVID-19’S IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPING WORLD

WHEN/WHERE: May 8, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The UN World Food Program predicts “hunger pandemics”; migration flows have ground to a halt; desperate people seek survival in the forests, putting the rainforest at risk. Experts review the trends as the pandemic spreads to the developing world. Global leadership will have to address these crises as an integral part of the pandemic.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC – CAN AMERICA SAFELY GO BACK TO WORK IN MAY?

WHEN/WHERE: May 1, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, the California government’s response to the crisis, health disparities among Latinos and African Americans, and the impact on children and education.

HOW TO DETECT AND REPORT ON DISINFORMATION

WHEN/WHERE: April 24, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Ethnic media are trusted messengers but we are inundated with mis- and dis-information about issues crucial to our communities – from the 2020 census to the pandemic to elections. EMS is honored to host a seminar with two of the country’s leading disinformation experts. The zoom conference call will cover real-world examples of census disinformation and offer recommendations for how to report on disinformation responsibly.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC – A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER RICARDO LARA

WHEN/WHERE: April 22, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: California’s worker compensation system aims to provide medical and wage benefits to those injured on the job. What happens when workers deemed “essential” get sick from COVID-19 on the job? Many are uninsured or underinsured or are undocumented. What are California authorities doing to keep employers and insurers in check.

COVID-19 VIDEO CONFERENCE: PANDEMIC IMPACT ON ETHNIC POPULATIONS

WHEN/WHERE: April 17, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An ethnic media briefing on the ongoing COVID-19 situation, including an update on the pandemic and briefing on statewide initiatives to mitigate the impact.

ACCESSING HEALTHCARE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC

WHEN/WHERE: April 8, online video conference

WHY: This will be EMS’s third online briefing for ethnic news media to hear from Medical and legal experts and advocates about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities EMS will host these telebriefings on a weekly basis over the next eight to ten weeks.

CALIFORNIA COMPLETE COUNT – CENSUS 2020 BRIEFING

WHEN/WHERE: April 1, online video conference

WHY: The telebriefing gives you direct access to California’s leading expert on the census, Ditas Katague, Director of California Complete Count office for the 2020 census.

COVID-19 BRIEFING – THE BASICS FOR ALL COMMUNITIES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 27, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (English) / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PST (Spanish)

WHY: Public health officials, frontline health care providers, legal experts & advocates addressed major concerns for all communities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR FLORIDA’S DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 24, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from Miami-Dade & Broward Counties to discuss the challenges of engaging Florida’s diverse communities in the 2020 census.  Learn why advocates see the census as a tool of empowerment for their communities.

CENSUS BRIEFING: THE STAKES FOR PACIFIC ISLANDERS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, San Mateo

WHY: The population of Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians in California has grown dramatically over the last decade, yet the community remains largely invisible.  The census is an ideal opportunity to strengthen communications with these groups.

ADDRESSING SECURITY OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ISSUES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 13, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

WHY: Leading civil rights advocates and states census officials will host a telephone press briefing to discuss the start of the 2020 census, protections around census data confidentiality, and the work being done to encourage participation across the country.

CALIFORNIA CENSUS ROUNDTABLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MEDIA

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 9, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Pala

WHY: A roundtable on the 2020 Census in California featuring representatives from the Census Bureau, Native American media and community leaders, and stakeholders and experts.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR SOUTH, SOUTHEAST, & CENTRAL ASIANS IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 5, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST Chinese for Affirmative Action, San Francisco

WHY: A focus on South, Southeast, and Central Asian populations, to amplify the voice & activities of community leaders working to promote the Census and strengthen communications outreach by building connections to nonprofits and ethnic media.

Stay tuned for our exclusive event coverage on these events.