ORANGE, CALIF. — The Democratic Party of Orange County passed a broad, comprehensive reform resolution Monday night that requires endorsed candidates to commit to introducing legislation for racial justice and equity.
Chair Ada Briceño, who collaborated with more than thirty area lawmakers and grassroots organizers to pass the joint resolution, said this is a bold step for long-needed change.
The measure, passed in an overwhelming vote of support of 44 to 1, is meant to place racial justice and equity front and center in schools, cities, and county government. It emphasizes policing reforms such as demilitarization, use of force, de-escalation, community policing, and racial profiling. Local government reforms include diversity in hiring, implicit bias training, and support for mental health and social services.
“We need action, and we need to make it happen,” said Briceño. “It’s long past time to uplift Black lives with meaningful policies, and that’s what our action is all about. We want to empower Democratic leaders, and work with them, to thoughtfully enact common sense changes. Together we can push justice and equity forward in our schools, cities, and police departments.”
The reform package takes effect immediately for the 2020 elections. “We are excited to share these changes with our candidates, and work with them to make change,” said Briceño. “This will take all of us.”
For Immediate Release: June 9, 2020
Media Contact: Rachel Potucek, rachel@ocdemocrats.org