Prop 16 Fails: California's Affirmative Action Ban Stands

Proposition 16 sought to overturn Proposition 209, the 1996 ballot measure that amended the California Constitution to ban the use of affirmative action at public universities and other public entities. Supporters argued that removing the ban would have allowed higher education to open the door wider for African American and Latino applicants.

"Our message basically was that ... government should not judge people based on their race, their skin color, their ethnicity or their ancestry," said Manuel Klausner, co-chairman of the No on 16 campaign.

"I think voter confusion was our biggest uphill battle," said Michele Siqueiros, a member of the Yes on 16 ballot measure committee.

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• Prop 16 Results: Statewide Measure To Bring Back Affirmative Action Falls Short

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