L.A. Area Chamber with Statewide and Regional Business Community Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES (June 29, 2023) — Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce today issued the following joint statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling which overturned affirmative action practices for college and university admissions.

“The statewide business community remains steadfast in our commitment to creating job opportunities and improving the diversity of our businesses across all sectors. California thrives because of the diversity in our population, the diversity of our workforce, and the diversity of our economy. While today's ruling may seem narrow, only affecting the education sector, we are concerned that it could threaten the business community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives by creating future barriers in building a diverse and qualified workforce, especially for C-suite and executive level positions.

“As part of our ongoing commitment, we will work to educate employers about the Supreme Court’s decision and how we can ensure that our employees and their families continue to know they are an integral part of our businesses and our communities.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Today’s ruling has no impact on existing or future hiring practices and does not affect existing or future DEI initiatives.
2. Businesses rely on strong and diverse colleges and universities to attract qualified workers into the workforce. Rulings like this that affect the education system affect the workforce as well.
3. California businesses look forward to continuing to partner with our world-class colleges and universities to ensure today’s decision does not impact the commitment and progress we have collectively made.

The joint statement was signed by:

• Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
• Rob Lapsley, President, California Business Roundtable
• Lynn Mohrfeld, President and CEO, California Hotel and Lodging Association
• Lance Hastings, President and CEO, California Manufacturers & Technology Association
• Dan Dunmoyer, President and CEO, California Building Industry Association
• Jot Condie, President and CEO, California Restaurant Association
• Hon. Mike Roos, President and CEO, Southern California Leadership Council
• Jim Wunderman, President and CEO, Bay Area Council
• Paul Granillo, President and CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership
• Tracy Hernandez, Founding CEO, Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed)

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About the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce   
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of a broad spectrum of organizations across the private, non-profit, academic, and public sectors, including the business community, job creators, and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. As the oldest and largest business association in the region, the Chamber has a long-standing history of convening business leaders, communities, and policy makers to promote a vibrant economy. The Chamber’s vision is A Thriving Region for All.