Prohibition Against Discrimination or Preferential Treatment by State and Other Public Entities. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Official Title and Summary prepared by the Attorney General

• Prohibits the state, local governments, districts, public universities, colleges, and schools, and other government instrumentalities from discriminating against or giving preferential treatment to any individual or group in public employment, public education, or public contracting on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
• Does not prohibit reasonably necessary, bona fide qualifications based on sex and actions necessary for receipt of federal funds.
• Mandates enforcement to extent permitted by federal law.
• Requires uniform remedies for violations. Provides for severability of provisions if invalid.

• The measure could affect state and local programs that currently cost well in excess of $125 million annually.
• Actual savings to the state and local governments would depend on various factors (such as future court decisions and implementation actions by government entities).

Argument in Favor of Proposition 209

Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Proposition 209

Argument Against Proposition 209

Rebuttal to Argument Against Proposition 209