Advancing Racial Equity and Justice
CAP applies a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that root out deeply entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Closing the racial wealth gap and building an equitable economy
Centuries of government policies have systematically deprived communities of color of economic opportunity, leading to a persistent, growing racial wealth gap. CAP develops and advances policies to combat the root causes of the racial wealth gap and promote a more equitable, vibrant economy for all.
Supporting the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform
Long-standing racial and environmental injustices disproportionately expose communities of color to climate pollution. CAP develops and advocates for climate policies that ensure communities of color benefit from the transition to clean energy.
Eliminating racial disparities and strengthening health systems
Structural racism causes inequities in health systems and disparities in health outcomes. It also negatively affects numerous social determinants of health. CAP develops and furthers policies to reduce racial disparities in health and foster more accessible, affordable, and equitable health systems.
Promoting a representative, responsive, and inclusive democracy
Online disinformation and hate; white supremacist violence and rhetoric; and voter subversion and suppression undermine democracy and entrench systemic inequities. CAP develops policies to foster an effective, accountable, and representative democracy to meet the needs and improve the lives of all Americans.
By the numbers
$838K
The absolute dollar wealth gap between Black households and white households
CAP, “Eliminating the Black-White Gap Is a Generational Challenge” (2021).
75%
People of color’s exposure to fine particulate matter emitted by almost every fossil fuel source
Science Advances, “PM2.5 polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States” (2021).
4.1x
Hispanic or Latinos more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than their white peers
CDC, “Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death By Race/Ethnicity.”
4,939
Hate crimes in 2020 where a victim was targeted because of their race, ethnicity, or ancestry
FBI, “Hate Crime Statistics.”
Recent work
Teacher Preparation Shortcuts Won’t Solve the Teacher Shortage
School Air Filtration and Ventilation Strategies To Improve Health, Education, Equity, and Environmental Outcomes
5 Little-Known Facts About Taxes and Inequality in America
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Recommendations for Newly Confirmed ATF Director Steve Dettelbach
This coalition letter, led by the Center for American Progress in partnership with gun violence prevention and allied organizations, includes a list of immediate actions the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can take to reduce gun violence.
3 Things to Know Now that President Biden Has Canceled At Least $10,000 in Student Debt
Student debt cancellation is a bold step for the higher education system—and one that will benefit a wide cross-section of people and communities throughout the country.
Overturning Roe Will Exacerbate the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis. It’s Time for Our Leaders To Act
The Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective, including CAP's Osub Ahmed, writes about why Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.
Fact Sheet: Weak Gun Laws Are Driving Increases in Violent Crime
States that have recently weakened their gun laws are seeing increases in violent crime.
The American Rescue Plan Has Helped State and Local Governments Invest in Community Safety
With the support of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, state governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in proven crime reduction strategies that go beyond traditional law enforcement efforts to support communities at risk of violence.
5 Things To Know About Debt Cancellation
Student debt cancellation would help people of all ages, reduce the racial wealth gap, and help borrowers weather turmoil in the student loan system.
Rethinking Guardianship: Emma’s Story
Emma Budway describes her experience as a nonspeaking autistic woman under guardianship and the benefits of less restrictive alternatives.
Hospital-Based Intervention Programs Reduce Violence and Save Money
Hospital-based community violence intervention programs combat cycles of violent crime and retaliation by engaging patients in the recovery process immediately following injury.
Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime
Houston, Boston, and Newark have improved public safety through violence prevention efforts outside traditional law enforcement.
Media Coverage Often Ignore Guns as the Main Driver of the Recent Rise in Violent Crime
The word “gun” or another synonymous variation was only included in 3.5 percent of headlines and summaries of online news posts that included the words “murders” or “homicides,” even though 80 percent of homicides are committed with a firearm, and gun homicides increased by 35 percent.
Guns and Anti-Government Extremism in Nevada
The rise in white supremacist and anti-government violence is fueled by weak gun laws and easy access to firearms.
Resources on Temporary Protected Status
This column provides a curated list of CAP’s resources on Temporary Protected Status.