Chancellor Gary S. May released the following statement today (Nov. 4) on Proposition 16, defeated at the polls, the measure that would have repealed Proposition 209 from 1996.

To the UC Davis Community:

UC has long been committed to attracting and educating a student body that reflects California’s cultural, racial, geographic and socioeconomic diversity. UC Davis remains committed to this mission and will work towards increased equity across communities regardless of the election outcomes. 

Proposition 209 will continue to challenge the university’s efforts to be equitable and inclusive as it seeks to attract the best and brightest students from all backgrounds, while ensuring equal opportunity for all. Proposition 209 has forced California public institutions to try to address racial inequality without factoring in race, even where allowed by federal law. 

The diversity of our university and higher education institutions across California, should — and must — serve the rich diversity of our state. We will work to increase our investments and efforts in this area given that racial equity is paramount to fulfilling our mission to produce the intellectual capital of California that has economic and social benefits.

Gary S. May
Chancellor

Related: “UC to Continue to Champion Diverse Student Body Despite Rejection of Proposition 16,” from the UC Office of the President.