In light of the recent Supreme Court rulings last month, California Humanities emphasizes its commitment to equity. We recognize that banning the use of race as a consideration in college admissions upholds a system that has historically prevented access to education for all people. Also, the decision in favor of a web designer to refuse to create websites for same-sex weddings based on religious objections is a dangerous precedent that will compromise civil rights protections in the U.S.
These decisions are inconsistent with the values of California Humanities. In alignment with our equity values statement, we are and have been committed “to dismantling structural barriers, such as those based on race, ethnicity, ability, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, language, citizenship, economic status, and geography.” For democracy to thrive in our country, everyone must have equal opportunity for success. As the state’s only nonprofit dedicated to supporting the humanities, California Humanities stands firm in our work to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice for all.
