Rocky Ortiz, director of the National Xicano Human Rights Council and one of the keynote speakers, reiterated that the passage of 209 is a blessing in disguise. "It's a kick in the rear," she said adding that the current form of affirmative action is not what's needed. She said, people of color have always had their own affirmative action. "It's called decolonization."
Meanwhile, in response to the passage of Proposition 209, Tirso de Junco, chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of California reassured the university community that: "With the passage of Proposition 209, the citizens of California have affirmed the Board of Regent's July 1995 decision."
"When the Regents made their decision over a year ago, they underscored their strong and enduring commitment to diversity. " Del Junco further stated that "My colleagues and I on the Board of Regents are convinced that we can create a future for California in which all of our students are given the educational opportunity and preparation they must have to succeed.
We will work with President Atkinson, the chancellors, and everyone who cares about education in our state to see that this future arrives as soon as possible."
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