A sense of relief has settled on much of California now that the election of Biden to the presidency seems unassailable. But farther down the ballot, results were not all good news. Faced with the usual plethora of propositions, California’s voters have once again revealed their ambiguous politics. Proposition 16, that would have reinstated affirmative action in college admissions, banned since 1996, was defeated, despite being endorsed by an impressive list of powerhouse Democrats, including Kamala Harris. Even the Regents, reversing their initial position, championed the cause. But the voters still voted Prop 16 down–by almost the same percentage that Prop 209 was passed in 1996.
Voters also failed to pass Proposition 15, a measure that would have increased property taxes on commercial properties valued at over $3 million, even though 40% of the extra revenue would have gone to schools and community colleges. Prop 13, the landmark limitation on property taxes, still stands 40 years after it was passed, notwithstanding shifts in California’s demographics and political allegiances. All in all, these results offer a disappointing augury of public support for reinvestment in higher education.
Still, in ballot initiatives in Oakland and San Francisco, there was encouraging support for increasing oversight over local police forces. The Cops off Campus coalition will convene a strategy meeting on Friday, November 13, 4-5.30p.m. at https://zoom.us/j/95477728140. And the fight continues for decent pay, working conditions and job security of our lecturers. If you have time to attend the bargaining session on November 6, 12 and 18, RSVP here.
Michael Burawoy and Celeste Langan for the Board of the Berkeley Faculty Association.