AG: parts of Calif affirmative action law is illegal

The Associated Press
Published: Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009 - 11:46 am

SAN FRANCISCO -- Attorney General Jerry Brown says portions of California's state law that bans preferential treatment of minorities and women in vying for public contracts, college admissions and government jobs violate the U.S. constitution.

Brown outlined his position about Proposition 209, passed by voters in 1996, in a letter to the California Supreme Court Wednesday.

The letter from Brown's office contends the proposition conflicts with federal law.

The high court had asked for Brown's opinion because it is considering a lawsuit filed by two white contractors who claim San Francisco's consideration of race in its contract bidding process violates California state law.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/1804610.html