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Senate adopts SCR 89 condemning federal rollbacks of DEI programs

California State Senate · February 19, 2026

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Summary

The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 89 affirming support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs and criticizing federal executive actions that sponsors said have targeted DEI initiatives; the measure passed unanimously on the floor (Ayes 36, No 0).

The California State Senate on Feb. 20 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, a floor measure presented by Senator Smallwood Cuevas that condemns federal actions described on the floor as efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs and affirms the state’s commitment to DEI initiatives.

Smallwood Cuevas argued the federal executive orders cited on the floor have directed agencies to phase out longstanding civil‑rights and DEI initiatives, and said those actions undermine protections for marginalized communities. On the floor the sponsor named federal executive orders and described impacts including cutbacks at state agencies and public universities.

Numerous senators spoke in support of SCR 89, citing academic and programmatic impacts on students, workforce diversity, and civil‑rights enforcement. Speakers invoked historical civil‑rights examples and warned of the broader harms of defunding DEI programs.

After closing remarks, the Secretary called the roll and recorded 36 ayes and zero no votes. The concurrent resolution was adopted; as a resolution it expresses the Legislature’s view and does not create an enforceable legal duty.