.png){kind=logo}
Federal Law
The U.S. Constitution never refers to white people, and only fourteen federal
statutes explicitly mention white people.
While the term itself is not explicitly defined in federal laws, the concept is reflected in various legal and policy frameworks that address racial disparities.
Based on Constitutional and Statutory law at both the federal and state level.
Voter ID Laws: Some states have implemented voter ID laws that disproportionately affect people of color, who are less likely to have the required identification. These laws can be seen as a form of systemic privilege for white voters who are less likely to face such barriers.
Felony Disenfranchisement: Laws that disenfranchise individuals with felony convictions disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities, reducing their political power.
School Funding: Public schools in predominantly white neighborhoods often receive more funding than those in predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods, leading to disparities in educational resources and outcomes.
Gentrification: The federal urban renewal program often displaces communities of color, benefiting white individuals who move into these newly developed areas.
Federal Workers Wage Gap: Black federal workers earn about 76% of what their White counterparts earn, while Hispanic/Latino workers earn about 73%. Asian-Pacific Islander workers, on the other hand, earn slightly more than White workers, at 112%.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has a troubling history of systemic racism that has had long-lasting effects on communities of color. Which began first with its predecessor, The Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) program (June 13, 1933, Defunct February 4, 1954).
This Federally funded housing program practice led to discriminatory lending practices, led to Black families and other minorities being denied access to home loans and other financial services. Consequently, these communities faced economic disadvantages, limited property ownership opportunities, and long-term disinvestment. source source
Black farmers have faced discrimination from public and private institutions, including the federally funded U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This discrimination has manifested in various ways, such as being denied access to low-interest loans, subsidy payments, and grant programs. source source
Systemic racism has significantly influenced federal investment opportunities, often leading to unequal outcomes for communities of color. Historically, federal infrastructure investments have been rooted in patterns of disinvestment in marginalized communities, perpetuating racial inequities.
For example, people of color are more likely to live near newly expanded highways or major roadways, which can lead to increased air and noise pollution, and less-developed pedestrian infrastructure. source, source
Access to Federal Capital: White families have more access to federal capital. They hold nearly every type of asset at higher rates than families of color and benefit more when incomes from these assets are taxed at lower rates. The preferential rates for capital gains and dividends disproportionately benefit White families. source source
Many federally funded workplaces and schools continue to prohibit racially correlated hairstyles such as braids, locks, and cornrows.
The privilege of racial invisibility associated with whiteness is woven into the
legal system. Elected legislators—most of whom are also white. —likewise view
whiteness as unimportant to legislation. Laws do not mention race because race is defined as an illegitimate topic for conversation. Laws are overwhelming silence on race in general, and whiteness in particular.
Since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action, there has been a dip in Black enrollment at some of the nation’s top universities. The share of white students has also decreased at selective colleges. Asian American enrollment has increased at Columbia and Brown but decreased at Yale and Princeton.
Eliminating affirmative action reduces diversity in leadership roles, widens the racial wealth gap, and lowers the likelihood of minorities entering prestigious career paths. The number of African American or Black students has decreased, while the number of Hispanic students has increased.
Read also: The Legal Foundations of White Supremacy, Racism in the New Deal, How the GI Bill Left Out African Americans, ENJOYED BY WHITE CITIZENS,
Comments