USC Cancels Gubernatorial Debate Amid Discrimination Claims

0:00The University of Southern California has canceled a planned debate for California gubernatorial candidates set for Tuesday. The event, hosted with K-A-B-C-TV, was meant for six white candidates, Republican Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, plus Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Matt Mahan, who qualified based on polling and fundraising numbers. Those criteria came from a public policy professor, but for prominent Democratic candidates of color. Antonio Villaragosa, Xavier Basera, Betty Yee, he, he. And Tony Thurman didn't make the cut, sparking claims of discrimination. Leaders from the Black and Latino legislative caucuses jumped in Monday, urging organizers to include everyone and avoid bias in the wide open race, with no clear frontrunner before the June 2nd primary. The University stood by the selection process at first, but backed off Monday night, saying co-hosts couldn't settle on a fix, leading to the full. Cancelation.

1:00Villaragosa, the former Los Angeles mayor, welcomed the move as the right choice under pressure, leaving candidates to find other ways to reach. Voters ahead of the primary. That wraps Durham news today, brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with the story.