Day 2: Understanding Institutional Racism

Institutional racism isn't just about individual attitudes or behaviors—it’s the ways that systems and structures in society disadvantage certain racial groups. It’s like a game where the rules are unfair from the start, and the game is rigged against some players.

What is it? Institutional racism refers to the policies, practices, and norms within institutions like schools, workplaces, the criminal justice system, healthcare, and more, that systematically disadvantage people of certain racial backgrounds, often without conscious intent.

Example: Education System--Think about public school funding, where schools in wealthier areas (often predominantly white) get more resources, while schools in poorer areas (often with more Black and Brown students) have fewer resources and less support. This is a form of institutional racism—it's not about individual teachers being racist, but about how the system is set up.

Example: Criminal Justice System--The criminal justice system shows racial disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration. Black people are more likely to be arrested for the same offenses as white people and face harsher sentences. This isn’t just about individual police officers or judges—it’s the system's policies and practices at work.

How does it affect people? The effects of institutional racism are far-reaching, from health disparities and educational inequalities to economic disadvantages and over-policing. It limits opportunities and harms entire communities.

What can we do? We must raise awareness, challenge these systems, and work for policies that promote equality. The first step is understanding how these systems work and who they benefit or harm.

Let's start the conversation, educate ourselves, and advocate for change. Change is possible, but it starts with awareness and action.