What’s Happening?
Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a new “Commission on Racial Equity and Social Justice.” Assembly Bill 328 has been introduced in the Nevada Legislature and would establish a government body to study historical discrimination and potentially recommend payments to descendants of enslaved people.
The bill directs the commission to study economic, political, social, educational and historical impacts of slavery, Jim Crow laws, racial segregation and other forms of racial discrimination in Nevada. It also explicitly authorizes the commission to recommend forms of rehabilitation or restitution to the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, if warranted.
Why Should Conservatives Care?
This bill touches on core conservative principles about the proper role and size of government.
It creates a new government commission that would use taxpayer dollars. The bill’s fiscal note indicates it “has an effect on the State,” meaning it would require state funding.
The commission’s mandate goes beyond addressing current discrimination to studying historical issues and potentially recommending special benefits based on ancestry rather than equal treatment under the law.
The proposal raises constitutional questions about equal protection. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established that all citizens should receive “equal protection of the laws” regardless of race or background.
It also raises questions about government overreach into historical matters rather than focusing on current needs and equal opportunities for all citizens today.
The Commission’s Structure
The bill would create a nine-person commission with:
- Three members appointed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas president
- Three members appointed by the University of Nevada, Reno president
- One member appointed by the Governor
- One member appointed by the Senate Majority Leader
- One member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly
The bill specifically requires appointing authorities to select members “on the basis of their education, training and experience in the fields of African American studies and reparatory justice.”
Scope of the Commission’s Work
The commission would study historical impacts of slavery and segregation in Nevada, discriminatory practices including forced slavery, chattel slavery, indentured servitude, redlining, and segregated school systems, as well as economic effects continuing to the present day.
After studying these issues, the commission would make recommendations to the Nevada Legislature for public education about its findings, advancement of racial healing, and forms of rehabilitation or restitution for descendants of enslaved people.
The commission would submit a report by January 31, 2027, and present findings to the Legislature.
Nevada’s Unique History
Many Nevadans question why the state should consider slavery reparations when Nevada was never a slave state. Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War, which is why we’re known as the “Battle Born” state. Nevada was created specifically as a Union state to help President Lincoln secure reelection and support the Union cause, including the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.
Unlike states in the South that had large slave populations, Nevada’s early economy was built around mining and ranching. This unique history raises important questions about the commission’s purpose and whether it makes historical sense to consider reparations for slavery in a state that was founded specifically in opposition to slavery.
The Bigger Picture
This bill follows similar efforts in other states. California established a reparations task force in 2020 that recently recommended payments to descendants of slaves.
The Nevada bill raises fundamental questions about government’s role in addressing historical wrongs versus ensuring equal opportunity today. It touches on whether government should treat citizens as individuals or as members of groups with different entitlements based on ancestry.
Conservative principles typically favor equal treatment under the law, limited government spending, and addressing current barriers to opportunity rather than creating group-based benefits.
What Happens Next?
The Assembly Education Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday, March 20, around 1:30 pm. Citizens can attend in person in Carson City or Las Vegas, call in to share their thoughts, or submit written opinions online.
To provide public comment telephonically, call (888) 475-4499. When prompted, provide Meeting ID 811 3993 6059, then press # when prompted for a Participant ID. Press *9 to enter the queue and *6 when told to unmute.
Where We Go From Here
At its core, this bill raises serious questions about government growth, proper use of taxpayer resources, and equal treatment under the law. The creation of a commission focused on group-based benefits runs counter to the principle that all citizens deserve the same opportunities and protections regardless of background.
As Nevadans consider this proposal, they have an opportunity to speak up for limited government principles and support policies that unite rather than divide communities based on ancestry or historical circumstances.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
