Article 11 of the Nevada Constitution requires the Nevada Legislature to provide for the establishment of a State University that is controlled by a Board of Regents whose duties are prescribed by law. (Nev. Const. Art. 11, § 4) Existing law establishes the Nevada System of Higher Education, which consists of the State University and certain other educational institutions, programs and operations. (NRS 396.020)
This bill creates the Commission on Racial Equity and Social Justice for the purposes of studying issues and making recommendations to the 84th Session of the Nevada Legislature relating to certain matters of racial discrimination in this State. Section 2 of this bill creates the Commission and prescribes the membership of the Commission, consisting of nine members appointed on or before August 1, 2025, as follows: (1) three members appointed by the President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; (2) three members appointed by the President of the University of Nevada, Reno; (3) one member appointed by the Governor; (4) one member appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; and (5) one member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
Section 2 of this bill establishes the duties of the Commission and, among other duties, requires the Commission to: (1) study certain matters relating to historical discrimination in this State and the related economic effects of the discrimination to present day society in this State; and (2) make recommendations relating to its findings to the 84th Session of the Nevada Legislature for methods to educate the general public about the findings and recommendations of the Commission, advancement of racial healing, understanding and transformation and the form and scope of rehabilitation or restitution to the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, if warranted, based on the findings of the Commission. Section 2 also authorizes the Commission to collaborate and consult with and invite participation by historians, scholars and other interested parties and requires state agencies to provide any information requested by the Commission relating to its duties. Section 2 also authorizes the Commission to request assistance from the Division of State Library, Archives and Public Records of the Department of Administration, which is required to provide assistance to the extent that resources are available.
Section 3 of this bill requires the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada to provide certain administrative support to the Commission and be prepared to provide the support not later than August 1, 2025. Section 3 also authorizes the Board of Regents to accept certain funds for the Commission in carrying out its duties.