US Edition
CA governor debate canceled after controversy over candidates of color
USC's data-driven formula excluded four candidates of color, sparking backlash and legal threats that led to the debate's cancellation less than 24 hours before airing.
- On Monday night, the University of Southern California canceled its Tuesday, March 24, gubernatorial debate after failing to reach an agreement with KABC on expanding the number of participating candidates.
- The cancellation followed intense public backlash over the university's 'data-driven' formula, which excluded four candidates of color: former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
- Excluded candidates described the criteria as an 'arbitrary formula that favors wealthy candidates,' while 50 political scientists signed a letter defending the methodology as independent and objective.
- USC acknowledged the selection process created a 'significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters,' prompting the university to cancel the event and seek alternative educational opportunities.
- Nexstar Media Group will host a debate on April 22, while CBS has scheduled an event for April 28, offering voters continued opportunities to evaluate the gubernatorial field.
23 Articles
23 Articles
California governor debate canceled after criticism of criteria that excluded candidates of color
The six candidates in the crowded field of gubernatorial candidates who met the polling and fundraising qualifications for the event, initially scheduled for Tuesday, are white.
Dem governor’s race in turmoil as USC cancels debate after candidates moaned it was ‘racist’
Democrat candidates for California governor are irate over a last-minute decision to ax a scheduled debate — over claims of racism. University of Southern California pulled the debate, scheduled for Tuesday evening, after complaints by low-polling Democrats that they were excluded because of their…
Rutland Herald
University cancels California governor debate after accusations of bias from candidates of color
The University of Southern California has canceled a gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday after candidates of color were excluded and accused the university of discrimination. Two Republicans and four Democrats, who are all white, were slated to participate. But four…
USC cancels gubernatorial debate following criticism over exclusion of candidates of color
USC has canceled Tuesday’s planned gubernatorial debate less than 24 hours after it was set to take place amid mounting criticism for excluding every prominent candidate of color. That includes former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and former State Controller Betty Yee. Some [...]
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