Historic Policies, Court Rulings Threaten Racial Progress

America's housing crisis is rooted in policies like Baltimore's 1910 zoning law, which was designed to enforce racial segregation, illustrating how government action has perpetuated systemic inequality. Critical race theory (CRT) analyzes such laws and policies, highlighting how even well-intentioned systems can result in unequal outcomes for marginalized groups. Recent Supreme Court decisions ending affirmative action have led to notable declines in Black student enrollment at elite universities, threatening decades of progress in educational and economic opportunity. Community events like the Race Against Racism in Fairbanks celebrate diversity and honor contributions to racial justice, reflecting ongoing grassroots efforts to address systemic inequities. These developments underscore that systemic racism is the result of deliberate policies rather than accidents. Combating it requires both rigorous scrutiny of laws and active community engagement for equity.