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Denying the Reality of Systemic Racism
Ignoring Problems Never Solves Them
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
~ James Baldwin
This country has a racist past, from slavery to Jim Crow to the continued influence, and even resurgence, of various white supremacist groups. Racism is so ingrained in our institutions that examples can be found in virtually every aspect of our society today. We all know the truth, but this doesn’t stop our leaders from denying basic reality and trying to sweep the problem under the rug.
Abundant Evidence of Systemic Racism
Racism is both an individual and systemic problem. Systemic racism is racism that is deeply embedded in our society and its institutions, from education to criminal justice. The problem is not new, but there is an awakening happening in this country right now that is bringing the issue to the forefront and demanding a movement toward better balance, expanding opportunity, and sharing power.
Education: According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, racial inequality exists in nearly every aspect of public education, from access to advanced classes to discipline. Students of color are more likely to attend…
