The great uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and the brutal murder of George Floyd broadcast around the world forced Americans to examine the country’s structures and institutions for racial inequities. Corporations are embracing social justice movements to an unprecedented extent, looking for ways to help end the systemic and structural racism highlighted by recent events.

Against this backdrop and in furtherance of this broad societal goal, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law California’s Assembly Bill No. 979—a bill that requires certain corporations headquartered in California to include on their boards of directors at least one person from an underrepresented community, with increasing representation required as the years progress.