Downey – March 5 – Councilman and President of Independent Cities Association, Mario A. Guerra, along with Senate Minority Leader, Bob Huff, announced his opposition to SCA 5. This legislation proposes to amend the California Constitution to permit public colleges and/or universities to discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, and individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin – not only in admissions, but also in employment and contracting.

Senator Huff stated, "This country ended institutionalized discrimination a long time ago and SCA 5 represents a step backwards to the darkest days of this country, when racial discrimination was openly tolerate and encouraged.”

“In 1996 the people of California voted overwhelmingly to end race preferences in public employment, public contracting, and public education. In the 17 years Prop 209 has been in effect, California has led the way towards color-blind government and increased graduation rates in Higher Education by using race and gender neutral policies. If SCA 5 should pass and be placed on the ballot for voters to approve, enrollment at our higher institutions of learning in California will no longer be based upon academic achievement.”

Councilman Mario A. Guerra commented, “When my parents brought me to the United States at the age of 6 it was with the hope that we, their kids, would have the promise of the American Dream.”

Guerra added, “One of the most important facets of that Dream is that it is available to all who are willing to sacrifice and work hard to achieve it. At a time when we need to be teaching our children that achievement is valuable, legislation like SCA 5 embodies anything but. Awarding a contract, a job or an academic position should be based on a candidate’s achievements – not on something they cannot control. I look forward to working with members of the Senate to ensure that discrimination, in any form, is not tolerated in our public institutions of learning.”