Connerly's obsession with race does not mean that a colorblind society eradicates discrimination, nor does elimination of data alone achieve the colorblind society he craves. Colorblindness in our society simply makes it easier for people of color to be overlooked, ignored and made invisible. In a democracy everyone has the ability to seek justice and equality — they are the fundamental principals upon which this country was founded. But we cannot have "life, liberty and justice for all," if there is no legal recourse for discrimination. For anyone who has ever had to go to court, data is a vital measurement tool in monitoring equity.

Passage of the Racial Privacy Initiative, will be tantamount to the legalization of racial discrimination. How can justice be blind if you make it impossible for those who discriminate to be held accountable? If knowledge is power, we cannot remove the data that will add to needed research, empower individuals and hold government accountable. What makes California so unique is its diversity and until we come to understand and truly appreciate what we all have to offer, malevolent initiatives of this nature will continue. E Pluribus Unum is what we should continue to strive for.

— Dr. Jamillah Moore is a professor of communication studies at California State University, Sacramento, and director of governmental relations for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.