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Defeating Proposition 54, Supporting Racial Justice (2003)

ASATA mobilized the Concerned Desis Against 54 coalition to campaign against an October 2003 California ballot measure that would prevent state agencies from collecting race data, crucial for understanding hate crimes, job discrimination, race-specific health issues, etc. Although overshadowed by the gubernatorial race involving Arnold Schwarzenegger, ASATA and other communities of color were able to successfully mobilize to help in Proposition 54’s defeat. We mobilized on a variety of fronts, to increase community awareness of the issues involved.

Our actions:

  • Created Northern California coalition of eight South Asian organizations against Proposition 54
  • Engaged in direct outreach and education to community members in person and by phonebanking
  • Advocated loudly against Proposition 54 in ethnic media

Read the coalition’s joint statement or download a targeted anti 54 poster.

Read related position statements, press releases, articles, and media mentions.