What is this act about?
ACA 3 would place a state constitutional amendment on the ballot to remove a clause in California’s Constitution that allows the practice of involuntary servitude as a means of punishing crime.
How does it align with yli’s values?
California has yet to make a decision to remove the language of slavery, by keeping involuntary servitude — slavery by another name and practice — in its Constitution. Article 1, Section 6 in our state Constitution is modeled after the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment Exception Clause. The federal clause reads, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” This clause legally transferred slavery from individuals’ ownership of slaves to ownership by the states.
As an unapologetically anti-racist organization whose staff and youth participants are almost entirely Black, Indigenous and people of color, yli is adamant in our position against involuntary servitude. Our youth wake up fighting everyday to address the generations of harm to their families and communities caused by chattel slavery and white supremacy, and it’s time that our elected officials do their part.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter of endorsement for this act, and we are voicing our support on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Who else supports this Act?
- Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice
- Prisoners with Children