Arab American Civic Council Applauds Governor Newsom for Signing the MENA Inclusion Act

The Arab American Civic Council (AACC), a grassroots organization that advances the needs and rights of the Arab American community, proudly applauds California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB-91, the MENA Inclusion Act, into law.

For the first time in California’s history, residents will be able to identify as “Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)” on state forms collecting demographic or ethnic data. This landmark legislation, which was introduced by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), corrects decades of misclassification and invisibility that have left nearly one million Californians underrepresented and underserved. With AB-91, state agencies will finally have the tools to deliver equitable services, allocate resources fairly, and better understand the rich diversity of our state.

For nearly three years, AACC has been at the forefront of this movement—canvassing neighborhoods, partnering with the Census Bureau, engaging policymakers, and building a powerful statewide coalition of MENA-founded and MENA-serving organizations. Together, we have equipped and mobilized our community to demand recognition, representation, and equity.

Looking ahead, AACC remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of AB-91. We stand ready to provide technical expertise and community insight so that the new MENA category truly fulfills its promise: making California stronger through visibility, equity, and inclusion.