By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Lawsuit Accuses UC Schools of Giving Preference to Black and Hispanic Students
A lawsuit filed in federal court accuses the University of California (UC) of racial discrimination in undergraduate admissions, alleging that Black and Latino students are favored over Asian American and White applicants. The lawsuit, filed by the group Students Against Racial Discrimination, claims UC’s admissions policies violate Proposition 209, a state law passed in 1996 that prohibits the consideration of race in public education.
The lawsuit also alleges UC is violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars racial discrimination by federally funded institutions.
In response, UC stated that race is not a factor in admissions, as per state law, and that student demographic data is collected only for statistical purposes.
Stett Holbrook, a spokesperson for the UC system, said the entity had not been served with the lawsuit.
“If served, we will vigorously defend our admission practices,” said Holbrook.
“We believe this to be a meritless suit that seeks to distract us from our mission to provide California students with a world class education,” he said.
The complaint criticizes UC’s use of a “holistic” admissions process, arguing it replaces objective academic criteria with subjective considerations that disadvantage certain racial groups. It cites admission rate disparities at UC Berkeley, noting a decrease in Black student admissions from 13% in 2010 to 10% in 2023, compared to an overall drop from 21% to 12%.
The lawsuit follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling banning affirmative action in college admissions, which has prompted challenges to race-conscious policies nationwide. The plaintiffs seek a court order preventing UC from collecting racial data in applications and request a federal monitor to oversee admissions decisions.
Tony Thurmond Urges Educators to Stay Focused Amid Federal Funding Battle
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has urged educators to remain focused on student achievement following a court ruling that temporarily blocks the Trump administration from freezing federal funding for schools, health care, law enforcement, and disaster relief.
A U.S. District Court judge in Rhode Island issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Jan. 31, halting federal efforts to pause funding while a lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 22 other state attorneys general moves forward. Thurmond, a declarant in the case, welcomed the decision and reassured educators that funding for critical school programs remains in place.
In a statement and a letter to California’s local educational agencies (LEAs), Thurmond praised efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and close achievement gaps, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
“Now is not the time to be distracted by external efforts to demean and divide,” Thurmond wrote. “Please continue to stay the course with local programs that are producing results. Our students need consistency, support, and community more than ever.”
Thurmond emphasized that state officials will continue advocating for stable funding to ensure schools can maintain and expand programs that help students succeed.
Gov. Newsom Meets With Trump Administration, Members of Congress
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom met with President Donald Trump and members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, to push for federal disaster relief for survivors of the Los Angeles County firestorms. The meeting focused on securing aid for recovery and rebuilding efforts after last month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California.
Newsom, joined by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance.
“We’re cutting red tape to speed up recovery and working across the aisle to ensure survivors get the support they need,” said Newsom highlighting their joint efforts to support communities impacted by the fires.
On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1), Ken Calvert (R-CA-41), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27), as well as Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) , Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D CA).
At the White House, Newsom and Trump discussed coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies. Newsom thanked the Trump administration for its early response, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) deployment of over 1,000 personnel for debris removal.
Gov. Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Says More Education Needed
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released a report assessing Holocaust and genocide education in California schools. The study found that while some school districts have strong programs, overall implementation is inconsistent, with success often depending on individual educators rather than a systematic approach.
Newsom, who established the council in 2021 amid rising antisemitism, reaffirmed his commitment to improving Holocaust education.
“Hate is unacceptable in California, and the decline in awareness about the Holocaust is alarming,” said Newsom.
The council, co-chaired by Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Senator Henry Stern (D-CA-27), State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and Dr. Anita Friedman, identified a need for more state support, professional development, and curriculum improvements. Key recommendations include revising history-social science standards, increasing funding for Holocaust education, and expanding teacher training.
“Students must learn about genocide to prevent history from repeating itself,” said Stern.
Bonta emphasized that “teaching truth is crucial to combat hate,” while Thurmond stressed the role of education in fostering inclusion.
The report aligns with California’s broader efforts to combat hate and discrimination, including funding for Holocaust education initiatives at museums and institutions statewide.
The Newsom administration has secured millions of dollars to support Holocaust and genocide education initiatives, including partnerships with the Holocaust Museum LA, the JFCS Holocaust Center, and the Museum of Tolerance. The Council aims to continue these efforts, ensuring the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
Dennis Richmond, Pioneering Black News Anchor and Bay Area Icon, Dies at 81
Dennis Richmond, the iconic KTVU journalist who anchored the station’s 10 o’clock news for over 30 years, has died at the age of 81, the station announced Wednesday.
Richmond, one of the nation’s first Black major-market news anchors, joined KTVU in 1968 as a part-time clerk and typist after serving in the Army. In 1976, he became lead anchor, a position he held until his retirement in 2008. Known for his calm, authoritative presence, Richmond was a trusted source of news for generations of Bay Area residents.
“To the Black community, he was hope; they could turn on the TV, and there was someone who identified with us,” said retired KTVU photographer Bill Moore.
Richmond covered major events in Bay Area history, including the assassination of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978, the Jonestown Massacre, and the Oakland Hills firestorm of 1991. He was known for his commitment to journalistic integrity and for avoiding the “happy talk” trend that was popular in news at the time.
“He was a tough bird, man,” said CNN anchor Sara Sidner, a former KTVU colleague.
“He was a stickler for really sticking with the facts,” she said.
After retiring, Richmond moved to Grass Valley, California, where he enjoyed golf and tennis.
Richmond suffered a heart attack and fall in December before passing away in Grass Valley with his wife, Deborah, by his side.
Richmond is survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, and countless Bay Area fans who remember him as a steady, trusted presence in their homes.
