The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition and #CountMENAInCA Campaign Celebrate Historic Win for Equity and Visibility as AB 91 Passes Assembly Appropriations Committee
Sacramento, CA — May 23 — Today, the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee voted to advance AB-91 (Harabedian), the MENA Inclusion Act, to the Assembly Floor. This groundbreaking bill will establish a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) demographic data standard in state surveys, censuses, and government programs. This legislation addresses decades of erasure, misrepresentation, and misclassification of MENA communities in California and marks a pivotal step forward toward advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the state.
The CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition, which includes over 30 MENA-led and MENA-constituency-based organizations leading the bill and the #CountMENAInCA campaign, welcomes this historic step in the fight for equity and visibility for Middle Eastern and North African communities. This victory results from two years of grassroots organizing and collective action from community members and allies across California.
For too long, California’s vibrant MENA population — encompassing individuals of Assyrian, Arab, Iranian, Amazigh, Somali, Sudanese, North African, Armenian, and many other backgrounds, — has been rendered “invisible” by federal and state data systems that often group MENA individuals under “White” or “Other” categories. This misclassification has obscured the community's unique health, economic, and social needs, resulting in insufficient resources and an inability to implement targeted interventions.
Research shows that the absence of disaggregated MENA data has led to persistent disparities in healthcare access, housing security, employment outcomes, and mental health support. Community research in Orange County, including a 2024 MENA-led survey, found high unemployment rates, homelessness risks, and significant service barriers despite demonstrated community need. Likewise, state and academic studies have documented disproportionate health impacts, including during COVID-19, across MENA subgroups.
AB-91 builds on the success of California’s prior data equity laws for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Latinx populations, which have resulted in increased funding, improved healthcare access, and culturally responsive programs. A MENA data standard will empower California to implement cost-effective, targeted interventions—supporting MENA-owned businesses, improving language access, and expanding educational and health services for MENA youth and families.
The passage of AB 91 through Appropriations reflects California’s ongoing commitment to advancing racial and ethnic equity. By collecting accurate, inclusive data, the state affirms its MENA communities' existence, dignity, and civic belonging.
As California sets a national precedent with AB-91, we urge the full Assembly, Senate, and Governor to pass this legislation swiftly. Our communities deserve recognition, investment, and the opportunity to thrive.
Media Contact:
Amin Nash, amin@aaciviccouncil.org
Sophia Armen, sophia@armenianactionnetwork.org
