Structural Discrimination: The laws and policies implemented to sustain oppressive systems in the United States of America.
The past year has demonstrated to the public that the laws and policies of the United States are inherently discriminatory. During a global pandemic, it was evident that the community suffering the greatest impact in terms of evictions, education, voter suppression, entertainment, police brutality, and health outcomes was the Black and Brown community. Structural discrimination has created complex, yet often hidden, barriers that make it difficult for Black and Brown Americans to thrive. These laws and policies might seem neutral on their face but often have discriminatory effects.
UDC Law Review 2021-2022 will: (1) highlight the historical connection between laws and policies and current structural discrimination in the United States; and (2) identify the changes needed in various areas of law and policy including, but not limited to: housing, medical, criminal & juvenile justice, mass incarceration, education, and more. Our goal is to create change and equity for Black and Brown people.