Institutional racism persists today through various means such as systemic biases in law enforcement, education, employment, and housing, resulting in disparities and unequal treatment for marginalized communities, despite the legal protections outlined in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
These biases and prejudices are often deeply ingrained in societal structures, policies, and practices, making it difficult to dismantle them. In law enforcement, for example, Black and brown communities are disproportionately targeted for police surveillance and violence, leading to higher rates of incarceration and police brutality in these communities. Similarly, in education, students of color are often subjected to harsh discipline practices, lower expectations, and limited access to resources compared to their white counterparts, leading to educational disparities and lower academic achievement.
In employment, racial biases and discrimination continue to limit job opportunities, advancement, and equal pay for people of color. Research has shown that job applicants with ethnic-sounding names are less likely to receive callbacks for interviews compared to those with white-sounding names, highlighting the pervasive nature of discrimination in the hiring process. Additionally, in housing, discriminatory practices such as redlining and segregation have historically limited access to affordable housing and neighborhoods with quality schools and resources for marginalized communities.
In order to combat institutional racism, it is crucial to address the root causes of systemic biases and inequalities in our society. This includes implementing policies that promote equity and inclusion, investing in communities of color, reforming criminal justice systems, and holding institutions accountable for their discriminatory practices. It also requires individuals to examine their own biases and privilege, educate themselves on the impacts of racism, and actively work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.