WK 6

2

Mariyam Al-Naiem

Walden University

SOCW-6361

Racial Inequality Policy

Victimization and denial of justice continue among African Americans due to racial discrimination. Despite having various laws like the Equality Act 2010 that protects black people from discrimination in the workplace and society, racial inequality is still in practice. Unfortunately, media plays a part in popularizing the issue (Ciszek & Logan, 2018). The study identified the following after reviewing the racial inequality policy in the United States. The state of racial inequality, techniques in which inequality exists, and the contexts where the disparity occurs. The outlines in which racial inequality exists were provided a justification on how former racial inequality was identified and the appropriate actions plans. However, some information was not apparent, while others were missing. Therefore, the study will describe the various methods that can be implemented to reduce racial disparities, discuss the potential punishment for those found guilty of discriminating against others, and justify the types of discrimination that the racial inequality policy is protecting as well as the benefits of practicing racial equality in the society.

Methods of Reducing Racial Disparities

The first method can be to review and restructure the various policies and practices in the criminal justice system. This is an inclusive process that requires input from all relevant stakeholders like criminal justice leaders, policymakers, and members of society. For instance, drug policies can be restructured to prevent abuse and create awareness on the same rather than arresting and fining those involved. The policy implementation strategy should change and employ a concept that brings all people together despite their race. A community-based initiative or program that is independent of the criminal justice system should be incorporated into the policy to create awareness of substance abuse. This can reduce racial disparities since unlawful activity may be effectively addressed. The involved may tend to adhere to the relevant regulations since they are involved and show the way other than being harassed.

The second method can be strengthening the federal and state policy initiatives to advocate for equal access to justice. To start with, the justice system should be composed of individuals from all races and establish a system that embraces community-based sentencing options. This will bring hope to members of society and gain confidence in the justice system. Justice and fair rulings may be assured and warn individuals who discriminate against others against their race. The third method assesses the racial impact of current criminal justice decision-making. A proposal should be made in congress justifying how unwarranted disparities in federal prosecution can be analyzed and responded to when appropriate. This should be implemented in the justice systems to reduce racial disparities.

Guilty of Racial Discrimination

Pager (2008) justifies those criminal measures can only be supplementary and not provide an adequate framework for ending racism. However, appropriate punishments for those found guilty against racial discrimination are one step towards reducing and preventing it from occurring. First, some of the possible punishments include imposing a jail term of not less than five years for a person found guilty of publicly discriminating an individual or a group of people against race, color, religion, descent, or national or ethnic origin. Second, set a minimum fine to be applied to those found guilty. Third, federal courts define what constitutes racial-based incitement that leads to violence and hatred.

According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report (2021), discrimination occurs when an individual is favored in a similar situation with others, and it can not be objectively or reasonably justified. Human rights commissions can not protect an individual from racial discrimination, but specific laws like the Equality Act 2010 can. Therefore, the racial inequality policy protects people from the following discriminations. The first is direct discrimination. It occurs when an individual is treated worse than another person in a similar situation because of their race. The second is indirect discrimination. It occurs when an organization has specific policies or ways of running business operations that may disadvantage a particular group of people because of their race. The third is harassment discrimination. It occurs when an individual is humiliated, offended, or degraded. Fourth is victimization discrimination. It occurs when one is mistreated because of raising race discrimination complaints as per the Equality Act 2010.

First, racial equality is important to members of society as they are provided with equal jobs, education, health opportunities, and other social amenities. Second, practicing racial equality can significantly influence society's economy and, eventually, the entire nation. When a country reduces the racial disparities in economic areas like health, education, and employment, its economy is likely to develop. The most talented people will grab the available opportunities without discrimination against their race, providing quality services and products. Third, it leads to better leadership and governance in society. When an assurance of equal opportunities despite one's race is created, individuals with quality leadership can arise from undermined backgrounds or political power and get elected to transform the society.

References

Ciszek, E., & Logan, N. (2018). Challenging the dialogic promise: How Ben & Jerry’s support for Black Lives Matter fosters dissensus on social media. Journal of Public Relations Research, 30(3), 115-127.

Pager, D. (2008). Marked: Race, crime, and finding work in an era of mass incarceration. University of Chicago Press.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (2021). Article 14: Protection from discrimination. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/human-rights-act/article-14-protection-discrimination