Racial Justice

Racial justice policy addresses the persistent disparities in wealth, health, education, housing, criminal justice, and political representation that track closely with race in the United States — disparities rooted in the history of slavery, Jim Crow segregation, redlining, and ongoing discrimination. Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of white Americans, hold roughly 10 cents of wealth for every dollar held by white families, and face a maternal mortality rate three to four times higher than white women. Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American communities face distinct forms of discrimination and disadvantage. Policy responses have ranged from anti-discrimination enforcement to affirmative action to targeted economic investments. The Supreme Court's 2023 Students for Fair Admissions ruling struck down race-conscious college admissions at Harvard and UNC, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education and reigniting debates about race-neutral alternatives. Reparations — financial redress for the descendants of enslaved people — have gained renewed attention at city and state levels (Evanston, Illinois passed a reparations program in 2021; California's reparations task force issued recommendations in 2023) but remain deeply contested at the federal level. The Trump administration's rollback of DEI programs in the federal government and among federal contractors has further intensified debate. Internationally, racial equity gaps in wealthy nations persist — the UK, France, and Canada grapple with similar disparities, often with less explicit policy focus.