Glossary: Diversity and Inclusion

Also known as the California Civil Rights Initiative, Proposition 209 is a California ballot proposition which, upon approval in November 1996, amended the state constitution to prohibit public institutions from considering race, sex, or ethnicity, except where “strictly necessary” to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The University is required to comply with federal affirmative action requirements in order to remain eligible for funding as a federal contractor. Under federal guidelines, the use of race or gender as a “plus” factor in making employment decisions is permitted, but not required. Therefore, the use of race or gender as a “plus” factor is no longer a part of the University’s affirmative action plan. However, federal enforcement agencies have determined that race and gender recruitment efforts are “strictly necessary” components of an effective affirmative action plan. Therefore, the University continues to conduct inclusive recruitment and outreach in job groups where there is underutilization.