WHEREAS, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, marking the day when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful protest against apartheid laws in 1960; and

WHEREAS, Racial discrimination remains a persistent challenge worldwide, undermining the dignity, rights, and potential of individuals and communities; and

WHEREAS, The impact of racial discrimination is profound and multifaceted, affecting individual lives and the fabric of society; and

WHEREAS, Racial discrimination in education manifests through biased treatment by teachers, unequal access to quality educational resources, underfunded schools, and fewer opportunities for advanced coursework and extracurricular activities; and

WHEREAS, Racial discrimination in the workplace can result in unequal opportunities for employment, promotions, and wages, with individuals from marginalized racial groups often facing barriers to career advancement, which perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits access to resources and opportunities for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Racial discrimination is prevalent in the criminal justice system, where individuals from certain racial backgrounds may face profiling, harsher sentencing, and higher rates of incarceration; and

WHEREAS, Racial discrimination contributes to significant health disparities, with marginalized groups often having limited access to health care services and healthy food, facing biases within medical settings, and experiencing poorer health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination and the need to promote equality, justice, and human rights for all; and

WHEREAS, The 2025 observance of this day offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in combating racial discrimination, as well as the work that remains to be done to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or color; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of this day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to engage in dialogue, education, and action to foster a culture of respect and understanding; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes March 21, 2025, as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature declares racism a public health crisis and will actively participate in the dismantling of racism; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 2: United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

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