California Assembly Bill AR45

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/7/17
• Refer: 6/15/17
• Passed: 7/17/17

Caption

Relative to desegregation of the Armed Forces.

Impact

The passage of this resolution serves to reinforce the importance of equality and diversity in military service, aligning state acknowledgment with broader civil rights movements. It symbolizes California's commitment to recognizing historical injustices and encouraging ongoing discourse surrounding equal treatment in all areas of public life, including the military. By formally recognizing this historical event, the resolution reinforces the narrative of progress in civil rights and military integration.

Summary

California House Resolution No. 45, introduced by Assembly Members Holden and Weber, acknowledges and celebrates the 69th anniversary of the desegregation of the United States Armed Forces. This resolution recognizes the pivotal role that President Harry S. Truman's Executive Order 9981 played in calling for equality in the military, resulting in the cessation of racial disparities in service and promotion opportunities within the armed forces. The resolution honors the history of civil rights activism leading up to this significant change, spotlighting key figures like A. Philip Randolph.

Contention

While the resolution itself is primarily commemorative and does not propose new legislation or changes to state law, it prompts conversations around the ongoing relevance of desegregation in the military and society at large. Some may argue that such resolutions are essential for educating the public on civil rights history and inspiring further reforms. Alternatively, critics might suggest that this type of symbolic legislation distracts from current issues of inequality and discrimination that still persist today.