Representation MATTERS: California’s Higher Education Governing Bodies Still Do Not Reflect the Racial and Gender Diversity of California and Its Students

In one of the most diverse states in the nation, it is not surprising that public college students in California are incredibly diverse–71% of the student body reflects the racial/ethnic diversity of California with nearly half (45%) of students identifying as Latinx and only about one in four (23%) identifying as White. What continues to concern us is that diverse representation by race/ethnicity and gender is not reflected in the decision-making bodies of the University of California (UC) Board of Regents, the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors (BOG), and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Representation MATTERS because diverse Californians have been critical to our past and are essential to the future. Latinx, Black, Asian American, NHPI, White, American Indian and Alaska Natives make up the fabric of our state and deserve to be present and represented in every place and space. While the richness of our diversity is often celebrated, we must also be intentional about the inclusion of diverse voices and representatives in every single one of the governing bodies that play a critical role in our public higher education systems.