Community leaders expressed relief that Proposition 54, dubbed “The Racial Privacy Initiative” by its proponents, was defeated Oct. 7. The initiative would have prohibited the collection of racial and ethnic data.

“We are delighted with the defeat of 54, particularly in an election where moderate and conservative voters were turning out in large numbers,” said Delores Jacobs, executive director of The Center. “We hope the defeat of this initiative sends the clear message that Californians are tired of petty, divisive politics and initiatives, and are not going to be tricked into supporting them.”

Prop. 54’s cheerful buzzwords — ‘racial privacy’ and ‘colorblind’ — had shockingly negative implications. The initiative would have barred access to vital statistics that aid social, medical and educational studies.

“We are [frequently] faced with dangerous and hate-driven initiatives that promote division among our people,” said Carolina Ramos, executive director of Bienestar. “I am relieved we were able to defeat this one.”

As of press time, Arvella Murray, executive director of the Center for Social Support and Education, and Jess San Roque, executive director of Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project, could not be reached for comment.

The American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the California Medical Association, the California Nurses Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics all opposed Prop. 54. In the final week leading up to the election, commercials were aired with former United States Surgeon Generals C. Everett Koop and David Satcher denouncing the initiative.

In addition to its effect on collection of critical medical data, Prop. 54 would have also hindered law enforcement from gathering information about hate crimes from police officers, suspects and victims. This information helps law enforcement efforts to be more effective, and is vital to assembling an accurate profile of racial and domestic violence among various communities.

“I was heartened that the voters turned away from [Prop. 54] and defeated that proposition,” said State Representative Chris Kehoe. “It was not a good policy issue and it would have, I think — under the guise of being color blind — hurt efforts to help equal rights for people of color communities. It was going to do what it purported to prevent.”

Civil rights would also have been affected. Employees trying to prove employer and coworker discrimination based on race and ethnicity would not have the necessary information needed to meet the demands of the courts for quantifiable data on discriminatory practices.

“One of the keys to continuing to defeat these kind of initiatives,” said Jacobs, “is continuing to build, support and work toward politically effective coalitions between communities committed to fairness. Prop. 54 saw those kinds of coalitions built, and it’s those coalitions that make these kinds of victories possible.”

Ramos agreed. “California was successful because organizations across the country came together to stand up against discrimination, and to show that we care as a Pueblo (community) and for our gente (people).”