CALIFORNIA— On Friday, August 29, 2025, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act. AB 91 will create a distinct data collection category for individuals of Middle Eastern and North African descent. This will begin paving the way for a statewide data system that accurately and equitably reflects our diverse community. The creation of this category will also help direct much needed economic and health resources into the MENA community.
The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition—a grassroots coalition of more than 20 MENA-led and MENA-constituency based organizations—proudly sponsored the bill. The Coalition welcomes the Senate Appropriations Committee’s vote, marking a historic victory for MENA Californians. For too long, our communities have been rendered invisible in state data collection, resulting in exclusion from vital resources, services, and fair representation. This vote is a major step toward equity and recognition.
This win was made possible by sustained and deep community-built grassroots advocacy, including over two years of organizing, thousands of community members calling, emailing, and meeting directly with their representatives, and dozens of workshops, events, and public education convenings. This is a win by and for our community.
California is home to the largest MENA population in the country. By passing AB 91 and creating a distinct MENA data category, California is positioned to lead the nation in advancing data equity. The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition urges swift passage through the CA Senate. Upon the Senate’s passage, we call on Governor Newsom to sign AB 91 into law and stand with MENA Californians who deserve meaningful inclusion in the state of California.
The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition will continue building on this victory by working with lawmakers, state agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure the bill’s passage and full implementation. The Coalition thanks Assemblymember Harabedian, all AB-91 co-authors and advocates, and the community for this momentous win.
