Racial Equity and Justice

The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss

New analysis reveals persistent environmental inequality in the United States. Communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas, and three-quarters of residents of these areas have low household incomes.

Fact Sheet: The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss

New analysis from Conservation Science Partners, the Center for American Progress, and Justice Outside reveals persistent inequality in nearby nature in the United States.

The Trump Administration Is Intentionally Erasing the Black History Told by Public Lands and Waters

Public lands tell America’s full and true story, yet new Trump administration policies threaten to erase Black history, undermine access, and distort the national memory.

Executive Summary: Hope After Harm

A state-by-state analysis of victim compensation statutes reveals tremendous potential for states to better meet the needs of survivors of violence and to ultimately break cycles of harm.

Resumen ejecutivo: Esperanza después del daño

Un análisis estado por estado de las leyes de compensación para las víctimas revela un tremendo potencial para que los estados satisfagan mejor las necesidades de los sobrevivientes de la violencia y, en última instancia, rompan los ciclos de daño.

Hope After Harm: An Evaluation of State Victim Compensation Statutes

There is tremendous potential for states to reform their victim compensation statutes to better meet the needs of survivors of violence and to ultimately break cycles of harm.

President Trump’s Recent Actions in Washington, D.C., Are an Abuse of Power and Threaten Public Safety for All

Authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops and federalizing the local police force are dangerous political theatrics that threaten democracy nationwide.

Trump’s Agenda Is a Direct Threat to the Black Middle Class

Donald Trump returned to the presidency promising a policy agenda that would help the Black middle class succeed. However, his choices in office and his attacks on diversity and equal opportunity have represented a direct assault on their ability to maintain economic stability.

CAP Comments on HHS’ Notice Affecting Head Start Eligibility Criteria

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Health and Human Services Department opposing the agency’s unprecedented notice requiring Head Start programs to verify citizenship status in order for families to qualify for services.

State Voting Rights Acts: Language Access

This is the fifth video in the “State Voting Rights Acts: Explained” video series created by the Center for American Progress and the Legal Defense Fund.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Environmental Protections Will Give Polluters a Free Pass While Causing Millions of Asthma Attacks

The Trump administration’s plan to weaken clean air protections could cause more than 10,000 asthma attacks per day while cutting lifesaving asthma prevention programs and as House Republicans seek to slash pollution reduction efforts, clean technology investments, and essential health care coverage—all to give tax breaks to billionaires.

CAP Comments on the Census Bureau’s Proposed Race-Ethnicity Code List for the ACS and the 2030 Census

The Center for American Progress submitted comments to the U.S. Census Bureau regarding the proposed changes to the race/ethnicity code list for the American Community Survey and the 2030 census.

The Trump Administration Has Made 36 Million Workers Newly Vulnerable to Discrimination and Harassment

The Trump administration has put more than 36 million private sector workers at risk of unchecked discrimination and harassment, with hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars now potentially pouring into discriminatory workplaces.

Baby Bonds: A Worthwhile Step To Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap

Baby bonds build intergenerational wealth for households that often have not had access to economic opportunities, mobility, and security.

Prioritize Community Needs Over Politics

In an op-ed published by InsideSources, Margaret Cooney writes about the wildfires in Los Angeles and describes the practical ways local policymakers can better prepare to offset the effects of climate change.

The Recovery From COVID-19 Pandemic Gun Violence

In an article published by Vital City, Chandler Hall and Nick Wilson from the Center for American Progress along with Alex R. Piquero explain trends in gun violence in U.S. cities since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gun Violence Trends in US Cities During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a research letter published in JAMA Network Open, Chandler Hall and Nick Wilson of the Center for American Progress, along with Alex R. Piquero, examine whether there was variation in gun violence trends in U.S. cities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Freedom To Vote: The Power of Casting a Ballot

Stephanie Hicks’ story of re-enfranchisement in Alabama speaks to how the lives of more than 3 million disenfranchised Americans could be transformed.

The Top 5 Ways Project 2025 Would Hurt Disabled People

Project 2025 would directly harm disabled people by removing basic civil rights protections and making it harder for these individuals to access necessary resources and services.

The Freedom To Vote: The Pride and Empowerment That Come With the Right To Vote

Ronald McKeithen’s story of re-enfranchisement in Alabama speaks to how the lives of more than 3 million disenfranchised Americans could be transformed.

6 Ways Cities and Counties Can Reduce Gun Violence

Cities and counties across the country are taking meaningful steps toward reducing gun violence by implementing a set of accountability and prevention strategies capable of healing communities while breaking cycles of violence.

The Freedom to Vote: How Re-enfranchisement Would Strengthen Democracy

Timothy Lanier’s story of disenfranchisement in Alabama speaks to the reality of the more than 3 million Americans who are denied their right to vote.

Project 2025 Would Put the Oil and Gas Industry Before Americans and Their Public Lands

Project 2025 would further benefit oil and gas CEOs and investors at the expense of the health, well-being, and economic freedom of everyday Americans by offering up public lands and waters to the oil and gas industry.

How Joy and Belonging Can Help Underrepresented Students Succeed in STEM

Fostering joy and belonging in STEM has the potential to open doors for underrepresented students in both STEM education and the STEM workforce.

Building for Our Future

A Black Agenda for 2025 and Beyond

Sonya Massey’s Memory Should Spur Federal Action To Meaningfully Change Policing

The killing of Sonya Massey at the hands of police should motivate federal policymakers to finally take action that will create real accountability and deliver lasting safety for people of color.

Project 2025’s Elimination of Title I Funding Would Hurt Students and Decimate Teaching Positions in Local Schools

Project 2025 would decimate more than 180,000 teacher positions and negatively affect the academic outcomes of 2.8 million vulnerable students across the country.

Taking Further Agency Action on AI

This joint report from Governing for Impact and the Center for American Progress maps select agencies’ existing statutory authority to protect consumers, workers, and families from potential artificial intelligence harms.

Secretary Deb Haaland Has Made Historic Progress at the Department of the Interior

Deb Haaland, the 54th U.S. secretary of the interior, has delivered historic conservation policies and made groundbreaking progress in addressing the treatment of Tribal and Indigenous peoples in the United States.

In Pursuit of Justice: Fulfilling the Promise of Brown v. Board of Education

If we hope to produce an active and diverse citizenry committed to advancing democratic principles, our students must be able to learn with and from peers of different races, ethnicities, languages, faiths, and economic status.

Voting Rights in Alabama

The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, the Battle Against Voter Suppression Today, and the Need for Federal Solutions

The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the Continued Fight for Rights

A conversation with Sen. Doug Jones and civil rights attorney Fred Gray

Debunking the ‘Guns Make Us Safer’ Myth

Despite arguments from the gun lobby and its allies, guns used for self-defense are not common, beneficial for society, or efficient in deterring mass shootings or criminal victimization.

Securing Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthy Environment for All

Industrial facilities are most often located in or near Black, brown, and low-income communities who face the brunt of harmful industrial pollution, climate change impacts, and other environmental and public health hazards—something Harold Mitchell experienced firsthand in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Fortunately, the Biden administration’s long-overdue environmental justice investments can ensure that all people—regardless of race, income, or ZIP code—have clean air and clean water and live in safe and healthy communities.

Fact Sheet: Dispatching Community Responders to 911 Calls

Cities nationwide are using three principal models to effectively dispatch community responder teams.

Dispatching Community Responders to 911 Calls

This report compares three principal models that cities are using to dispatch community responder teams, answers frequently asked questions, and shares lessons learned.

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

Hawkins Centers of Excellence at Minority-Serving Institutions Are Boosting Teacher Diversity

Congress must maintain funding for a long-overlooked program that is helping to recruit and support more teachers of color.

The Biden Administration’s Policy Wins Are Creating Opportunities and Building Equity Across the Board for Latinos

The Biden administration’s historic investments support Latinos and have advanced racial equity for all Americans.

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report outlining the need for a whole-of-government, society-wide approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid overdose epidemic.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach

The opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis that can be ameliorated by addressing root causes of drug use; expanding access to treatment and harm reduction strategies; and reducing the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States.

The CHIPS and Science Act Will Bring Technology and Manufacturing Investment to Rural Areas and Communities of Color

The Tech Hubs program within the CHIPS and Science Act is a major opportunity to provide equitable access to industry for underserved communities and economic growth for the country at large.

Last of the Lions: An African American Journey in Memoir

Please join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Clarence B. Jones.

A Conversation With Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education

Please join the Center for American Progress to explore the importance of nondiscrimination in education, especially in America’s colleges and universities.

CAP’s Response to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s RFI on the Enterprises’ Single-Family Mortgage Pricing Framework

The Center for American Progress submitted comments in response to the FHFA’s request for input on the Enterprises’ single-family pricing framework.

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership of Women & Families on Martha’s Vineyard for a moderated panel which explores new ways to promote economic opportunity in Black communities.

The Disproportionate Burden of Eviction on Black Women

The United States continues to face an eviction crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black women.

Raising Wages, Closing Pay Gaps: Tackling Fair Pay for Black Women

Tune in below to watch a discussion on the connection between raising the minimum wage and Black Women’s Equal Pay Day.

Reversing the Decline in Routine Childhood Immunization Rates Is Good Health, Equity, and Economic Policy

Policymakers can address the decline in routine childhood vaccination rates in the United States by improving access and boosting confidence in childhood vaccines, and by making vaccination the easiest and most sensible choice.

Strengthening Early Childhood Health, Housing, Education, and Economic Well-Being Through Holistic Public Policy

The preschool years present a critical developmental period sensitive to changes in public health and social policy, for which robust investments in programs that support families can improve intergenerational outcomes.

4 Ways States and Localities Are Improving Employment Outcomes for Reentering Young Adults

Forward-thinking state and local policymakers should continue to take action to improve the employment outcomes of 18- to 24-year-olds reentering their communities.

Public and Private Investments Are Poised To Transform Michigan

The historic home of the automotive industry, Michigan, stands to benefit from major infrastructure improvements and new plants for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, especially if it incorporates public input and builds worker power to grow the middle class.

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity

Rose Khattar and Edwith Theogene lay out glaring omissions in the way that the United States collects data on race and ethnicity and call for improvements to the processes.

How Federal Agencies Can Advance Equity Through Biden’s Second Executive Order

The Biden administration’s recent executive order makes clear its intent to swiftly advance racial equity and support underserved communities by directing federal agencies to deliver equitable outcomes and foster an inclusive and prosperous America for all.

With the Long-Overdue End of the Title 42 Order, America’s Values Are at Stake

As the Title 42 order comes to an end, America can humanely and effectively meet the challenge of rising numbers at the border.

5 Actions the FDA Can Take To Reduce Heavy Metal Toxins in Baby Food

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revises guidance for allowable levels of lead in baby food, further federal action is needed to protect all young children from environmental toxins in food products.

CAP’s Comments on FDA Draft Guidance for Lead Levels in Foods Marketed to Babies and Young Children

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in response to the agency’s proposed draft guidance intended to reduce lead in foods marketed for infants and young children.

CAP’s Comment on the EPA’s Proposed Soot Pollution Standards

The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the agency’s proposed rule on soot pollution standards.

Why We Must Protect U.S. Immigration Programs Across the Board

Ayuong, a former refugee from Sudan who now attends dental school in the United States, shares what it means to be a refugee.

Black History Month: A Time To Celebrate All Black People, Including Black Immigrants

The stories and experiences of Black immigrants are part of the American story and should be celebrated during Black History Month.

A Minnesota Tribal College Teaches Law Enforcement in Effort To Put More Native Americans ‘Behind the Badge’

In the second installment in a three-part series on Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), the Center for American Progress and American Indian College Fund look at Leech Lake Tribal College’s law enforcement degree program and the college’s work on cultural revitalization and basic needs insecurity.

For Native Americans, Tribal Colleges Tackle the ‘Present-Day Work of Our Ancestors’

In the first installment in a series on Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), the Center for American Progress and American Indian College Fund explore the essential role TCUs play in their communities and why investing in them should be a priority for policymakers.

7 Facts on Racial Equity and the Economic Recovery

The economic recovery has supported workers of color, but inequities persist, and the Federal Reserve risks undoing the equitable economic gains achieved.

Gun Violence Has a Devastating Impact on Hispanic Communities

Hispanic and Latino communities are disproportionately at risk from rising rates of gun violence, but elected officials in these communities have so far failed to act.

The Supreme Court Censoring History and Race Would Be a Mistake

Race-conscious remedies, such as voting rights protections and affirmative action in college admissions, are supported by the Constitution, are a part of American history, and are essential to equal opportunity.

The Wage Gap Persists—But Recent Reforms Are Making a Difference

Rose Khattar and Lauren Hoffman discuss how, in addition to recent reforms such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the student loan relief plan, more measures are necessary to finally close the pay gap that continues to limit economic opportunity for many women.

Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence

Community violence intervention programs are a critical part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of rising gun violence on youth and in U.S. communities.

Opinion: Hispanic and Latino workers deserve equal economic opportunity, not a return to the pre-pandemic status quo

Rose Khattar and Jessica Vela discuss how equitable implementation of the Biden administration's major economic accomplishments, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, can help better support Hispanic and Latino workers.

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall

Discussing Air Force and Space Force personnel, the crisis in Ukraine, competition with China, human rights, and the role of the U.S. in the world

Ocean justice can help empower communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis

The Ocean Justice Forum—a collective of 18 environmental justice, Indigenous, community, and national nonprofits—is offering an ambitious vision for strengthening ocean climate policy, addressing injustices, and building more resilient communities.

Preventing the Next Jackson-Like Water Crisis

Marquisha Johns and Nicole Rapfogel explain why the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, was the result of long-standing disinvestment, environmental injustice, and health inequities—and they urge state lawmakers to direct funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act toward the communities that need them most.

National Film Premiere: ‘Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote’

Please join CAP's Reel Progress program and Brave New Films for a film screening of "Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote," followed by a discussion with a panel of esteemed experts.

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.

Improving Economic Opportunity for Black Women and Families

A discussion with the National Partnership for Women & Families on improving the economic status of Black women and families.

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.

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.

How FEMA Can Prioritize Equity in Disaster Recovery Assistance

Current disaster recovery efforts in the United States exacerbate racial disparities, as people of color experience greater harms from natural disasters, receive less support, lose wealth, and take longer to recover.

Latino Workers Continue To Experience a Shortage of Good Jobs

Although Hispanic and Latino workers have high employment rates in the United States, labor market experiences differ substantially within this community, with Mexican, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Salvadoran Americans experiencing significant and intersecting gender and ethnic wage gaps.

The United States Must Deliver on Equitable Housing Outcomes for All

Federal investments kept millions of Americans in their homes during the pandemic; in the long term, commitment to bold federal housing policy can eliminate housing insecurity for millions while uplifting historically disadvantaged communities.

Gun Violence Disproportionately and Overwhelmingly Hurts Communities of Color

The lack of investment in communities of color, coupled with weak gun laws, has resulted in devastatingly high rates of gun violence for Black and brown people.

Juneteenth Reflects the Many Ways Justice Is Systemically Delayed for Black Americans

It is critical for Congress to pass legislation that advances racial equity and justice for Black Americans.

The Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety Is a Foundation to Build Upon

Two years after the murder of George Floyd, the Biden administration released a police reform executive order containing policies that states and cities should build upon.

Beyond Acronyms

Honoring the Complex Experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities in K-12 Education

The Costs of Being a Woman

Join the Center for American Progress to discuss the complex and multifaceted costs women of all identities and experiences face in managing their households and to lift up the interventions from a variety of policy areas needed to improve women’s economic security in the long run.

Black Men and the U.S. Economy: How the Economic Recovery Is Perpetuating Systemic Racism

While the U.S. economy is recovering for many Americans, Black men continue to experience persistent unemployment gaps and reduced economic opportunity.

Fact Sheet: Advancing Equity

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report on the Biden administration’s efforts to advance racial equity through the federal government.

The United States Must Support HBCUs and Opportunity for Black College Students

The recent rash of bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities is just one of the numerous signs that America is at risk of winding the clock backward when it comes to opportunities for Black students in higher education.

Advancing Racial Equity: The Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year and the Agenda Ahead

Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on actions taken by the Biden administration to center racial equity in the federal government and the policies and path forward to bend the arc of racial justice toward equity in the years ahead.

Advancing Equity: Review of the Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year To Implement a Racial Equity Agenda

This report reviews the Biden administration’s key efforts and accomplishments to advance equity in its first year and outlines future policies needed to build a better and more dynamic nation that equitably respects the rights and meets the needs of all Americans.

Living at the Intersection: Black Disabled Women and Girls

This video features two Black disabled women—Eman Rimawi-Doster and Heather Watkins—who discuss the barriers they face.

How To Make Policies Work for Black Women With Disabilities

To create more equitable systems, policymakers must take an intersectional approach that includes Black women and girls with disabilities.

10 Policies To Improve Economic Security for Black Women With Disabilities

To advance economic security for Black disabled women and girls, policymakers must make intersectionality central to modernizing the social safety net and to dismantling the barriers that contribute to inequality.

Improving Health Outcomes for Black Women and Girls With Disabilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed disparities in access, care, and health outcomes that Black disabled women and girls have had to face.

Returning To School Must Include a Reinvestment in Section 504 Plans

Women of Color and the Wage Gap

Women of color continue to suffer the most severe gender wage gap in the United States, a reality that reflects the effects of intersecting racial, ethnic, and gender biases that threaten the economic security of them and their families.

Investing in Home Care and Early Childhood Educators Has Outsize Impacts on Employment

Proposed investments in the Build Back Better agenda would benefit a significant number of workers, particularly women and women of color; transform the home care and early childhood sectors; and lift living standards and employment prospects for millions of Americans.

New Poverty and Food Insecurity Data Illustrate Persistent Racial Inequities

Data make it clear that policymakers must finally commit to an expansive racial equity agenda to ensure that racial and gender economic disparities do not continue into the future.

Census Data Show Historic Investments in Social Safety Net Alleviated Poverty in 2020

New poverty, income, and health insurance data confirm that poverty is a policy choice.

Unions Help Increase Wealth for All and Close Racial Wealth Gaps

Union membership significantly increases wealth for all households, but Black and Hispanic families gain the most.

Ensuring Equal Pay for Black Women is Not Just About Work—It’s Also About Family

Policy solutions that address Black women’s work, family, and caregiving needs are essential to creating equitable workplaces that pay fair wages.

Summary of Proposals and Policy Actions To Reduce the Black-White Wealth Gap

The Biden administration has started to implement policies to make it easier for Black households to build wealth at the same rate as white households; additional steps are both possible and necessary.

Wealth Matters: The Black-White Wealth Gap Before and During the Pandemic

The lack of wealth in many African-American households has left them especially vulnerable to the financial fallout from the coronavirus crisis; but the federal government has perhaps its best opportunity yet to fix these racial disparities.

Black LGBTQ Individuals Experience Heightened Levels of Discrimination

The compounding effects of discrimination for Black LGBTQ Americans are evident in the workplace, health care systems, and police interactions, leading to gaps in economic advancement and mental and physical health outcomes.

How the Biden Administration Can Advance Racial Equity

Federal agencies have the opportunity to advance racial equity and narrow the racial wealth gap through executive actions.

Biden’s Tax Enforcement Overhaul Would Be A Positive Step Toward Racial Equity

Rebuilding the IRS and directing the agency’s focus toward wealthy tax cheats is a fundamental step toward creating a more fair and equitable tax code and an important step in the direction of racial equity.

A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty

Bipartisan momentum for clean slate and fair chance licensing policies—which remove barriers to economic opportunity for people facing the stigma of a criminal record—has grown significantly in the states in recent years.

National and Community Leaders Discuss How To End White Supremacist Violence

This video presents highlights from an event following the release of a joint report from the Center for American Progress and the McCain Institute for International Leadership on how to address the growing national security threat posed by white supremacist violence in the United States.

Justice in Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ People and People Living With HIV

Broad reforms and targeted services are needed to reduce the harms of incarceration for LGBTQ people and people living with HIV as they reenter their communities.

Building on the ACA: Administrative Actions to Improve Maternal Health

The United States’ maternal health crisis demands federal and state action to improve coverage, the delivery of care, and pregnancy outcomes. The cost of inaction will almost certainly be dire.

Eliminating the Black-White Wealth Gap Is a Generational Challenge

Closing the racial wealth gap is a generational challenge that requires new yet doable policies.

Latinos Face Disproportionate Health and Economic Impacts From COVID-19

Congress and the Biden administration must act quickly to minimize further harm during the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly for Latinos and other communities of color.

The Economic Status of Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

Policymakers must closely examine economic data on the experiences of AAPI women, before and during the coronavirus pandemic, in order to surface key barriers and shed light on effective policy solutions.

An Expanded Child Tax Credit Would Lift Millions of Children Out of Poverty

Congress must not miss the opportunity to improve children’s lives and reduce economic and racial inequality.

Understanding the Policing of Black, Disabled Bodies

Current data collection on state violence does not paint a picture that is inclusive of victims with disabilities.

The Biden Administration’s Conservation Plan Must Prioritize Indigenous Leadership

In its efforts to protect 30 percent of U.S. lands and ocean by 2030, the federal government has an obligation to acknowledge tribal sovereignty and support Indigenous-led conservation.

The State of Women’s Leadership—And How To Continue Changing the Face of U.S. Politics

Women—particularly women of color—continue to make noteworthy gains at all levels of government, but bold policies and structural changes are still needed to reach gender parity in U.S. politics.

A CRA To Meet the Challenge of Climate Change

A modernized Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) would be a useful tool to effectively address climate resilience and environmental racism in low-income communities of color.

California Is Not a Bellwether on Affirmative Action

The November 3 results for Proposition 16 underscore the need for a clear message, adequate time and resources, and voter persuasion.

With a Focus on Equity, Geography No Longer Has To Be Destiny

With the rural-urban divide in the headlines, it is time to address long-standing inequities by building a more comprehensive equity analysis.

Centering Racial Equity in a New Administration

With a new administration set to lead the U.S. federal government, and in the midst of a pandemic that has exposed the many layers of racial inequality in this country, it is time to finally put infrastructure in place to achieve equity for Black Americans and communities of color.

4 First Steps for Congress To Address White Supremacist Terrorism

As tensions rise ahead of the upcoming election, the 116th Congress can and should act now to confront the surge in violent white supremacy across the country.

The Pandemic Has Exacerbated Housing Instability for Renters of Color

Hardships disproportionately faced by communities of color are being exacerbated by the pandemic and require an equitable recovery that reconciles past harms while also providing solutions for current and future challenges.

Public Work Provides Economic Security for Black Families and Communities

Public sector jobs have long provided economic security for Black families and communities and reduced the racial wealth gap, but current policy failures threaten that legacy.

A Barrett Confirmation Would Be Disastrous for the Health of Communities of Color During COVID-19

Now is not the time to rush through a Supreme Court nominee who is likely to dismantle the ACA; instead, it is time to do more to protect Americans—especially people of color.

Closing Latino Labor Market Gap Requires Targeted Policies To End Discrimination

Structural forces in the United States prevent Latinos from achieving the same employment outcomes as their non-Hispanic white counterparts, and policymakers can no longer ignore the equity gaps.

Creating a Postal Banking System Would Help Address Structural Inequality

Expanding the responsibilities of the U.S. Postal Service to include postal banking would ensure that low-income communities and communities of color across the country have access to an essential service.

Redesigning Federal Funding of Research and Development

The U.S. government has long been a catalyst for innovation through federal funding and support, but it needs to be more inclusive of Black researchers and inventors.

Redefining Electability

In hyperpartisan times, winning elections is all about showing up for voters and getting out the vote. Women are showing how it’s done.

The Black-White Wealth Gap Will Widen Educational Disparities During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Less wealth makes it more difficult for African American parents to get reliable access to the internet and devices for remote learning.

Bridging the Water Access Gap Through COVID-19 Relief

In its next COVID-19 relief package, Congress must include specific environmental justice provisions to ensure equitable access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation services.

A Blueprint for Revamping the Minority Business Development Agency

The Minority Business Development Agency has tremendous potential to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity in Black communities.

How To Reinvest in Communities When Reducing the Scope of Policing

As cities reevaluate the role of policing, the bipartisan Justice Reinvestment Initiative offers lessons for cities on prioritizing meaningful investments in community-driven safety.

Mental Health Support for Students of Color During and After the Coronavirus Pandemic

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, schools need additional mental health funding and support that is implemented with a racial equity lens.

The Nature Gap

People of color, families with children, and low-income communities are most likely to be deprived of the benefits that nature provides.

4 Actions Colleges Can Take To Address Police Brutality

Postsecondary institutions must take immediate action to help address the issue of police brutality.

For Actor Bambadjan Bamba, the Battles for DACA and Racial Justice Are One and the Same

Bambadjan Bamba, a Dreamer and immigration activist, is also fighting to end anti-Black racism.

Fighting Systemic Racism in K-12 Education: Helping Allies Move From the Keyboard to the School Board

The surge of new allies in the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice presents a welcome opportunity to implement systemic changes in the U.S. K-12 education system—and allies should start by following the lead of communities that are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Extreme Heat During the COVID-19 Pandemic Amplifies Racial and Economic Inequities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, heat waves will present an even deadlier public health threat than usual, further exacerbating racial and economic injustices.

How Child Care Disruptions Hurt Parents of Color Most

Black and multiracial parents are more likely than white parents to experience child care-related job disruptions.

The COVID-19 Response in Indian Country

The disproportionate devastation COVID-19 is having in Native American communities lays bare the U.S. government’s systemic failure to meet its trust and treaty obligations.

The Coronavirus Crisis Is Worsening Racial Inequality

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal stark inequities in the social, economic, and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What We Should Expect of the Police: Experts Weigh In On Recent Police Violence

The killing of George Floyd and the nationwide protests against police brutality have ignited a debate about the appropriate role and scope of policing in American communities.

Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity

Alleviating stark disparities in health coverage, chronic health conditions, mental health, and mortality across racial and ethnic groups in the United States will require deliberate and long-term efforts.

Workers of Color Are Disproportionately at Risk of Serious Complications From the Coronavirus

Workers of color are more likely to have serious underlying medical conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19.

The Economic Fallout of the Coronavirus for People of Color

Occupational segregation, employment discrimination, and exploitation make economic downturns, such as the one created by the COVID-19 pandemic, worse in communities of color by destabilizing jobs, undermining small businesses, and increasing income shocks and unexpected expenses.

The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Fueling Fear and Hate Across America

Asian Americans are facing physical and economic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus Compounds Inequality and Endangers Communities of Color

Structural racism makes public health crises such as COVID-19 more dangerous by increasing exposure, exacerbating preexisting conditions, and preventing vulnerable people from obtaining the care they need.

The Senate Stimulus Proposal in Response to Coronavirus Fails to Meet the Moment

The Senate’s coronavirus stimulus bill doesn’t do nearly enough to help families and small businesses.

The Coronavirus Pandemic and the Racial Wealth Gap

The unjust racial wealth gap leaves Black and Latinx communities especially vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

Who We Measure Matters: Connecting the Dots Among Comprehensive Data Collection, Civil Rights Enforcement, and Equality

Data collection, disaggregation, and analysis of the nation’s diverse communities and their experiences are essential to achieving equality.

Communities of Color Bear the Brunt of Trump’s Anti-Environmental Agenda

By weakening air and water protections and refusing to address climate change, the Trump administration is exacerbating environmental and health hazards in communities of color.

On the Persistence of the Black-White Unemployment Gap

The United States needs policies that challenge structural racism in order to close the persistent unemployment gap between African Americans and whites.

Promise and Opportunity Deferred

Reforming the United States’ place-based investment framework is no easy feat, but for the sake of equity, it is well worth the endeavor.

An Elite College Has Dropped Legacy Admissions—It’s Time for Other Higher Education Institutions To Do the Same

Legacy admissions policies have racist origins and continue to exclude underrepresented students of color.

3 Bold Actions Congress Should Take to Equitably Address Weather and Climate Disasters

As weather and climate disasters become more devastating and costly, Congress must design bold and equitable policies to reduce carbon and other pollution and protect communities from the worst impacts of climate change.

Black and Latinx Students Are Getting Less Bang for Their Bachelor’s Degrees

Black and Latinx students who earn bachelor’s degrees take longer to graduate, earn more debt, and face more employment challenges than white peers.

Fixing Graduate School Debt

This fact sheet considers accountability-based policy solutions through an equity lens to bring down graduate debt levels.

Graduate School Debt

Policymakers cannot keep looking past the 40 percent of federal student loans that are used for graduate studies each year.

Opportunities for States To Improve Infant Health Outcomes

Racial and ethnic disparities in infant health outcomes across states show the need for lawmakers to enact policies that will address the country’s infant health crisis.

The Economics of Caregiving for Working Mothers

Working mothers are important drivers of three essential industries—elementary and secondary education, hospitals, and food services—yet cannot afford child care for their own children.

African Americans Face Systematic Obstacles to Getting Good Jobs

Despite an improved labor market, Black Americans still can’t obtain well-paying, stable jobs with quality benefits.

Women of Color: A Collective Powerhouse in the U.S. Electorate

Women of color—a diverse and increasingly active voting bloc—are a growing force in American politics.

365 Harms: The Trump Administration’s Record on People of Color

Time and time again, the Trump administration’s policies and practices have negatively affected communities of color across the United States.

Early Decision Harms Students of Color and Low-Income Students

Early decision policies at colleges and universities favor wealthy families and create additional barriers for marginalized communities.

Transforming the Culture of Power

Dismantling the culture of power that sustains and fuels gender-based violence requires a comprehensive, national strategy that connects meaningful policy solutions across the diverse issues affecting survivors and communities.

5 Reasons to Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions

Race-conscious admissions practices remain necessary in the fight for racial equity in higher education.

The Harvest of American Racism

Using the market mechanism to solve structural problems is the wrong approach to improving distressed communities.

Advancing Racial Equity in Career and Technical Education Enrollment

By placing a focus on racial equity, CTE programs can help narrow opportunity gaps.

Addressing Racial Trauma and Hate Crimes on College Campuses

Universities must address stark racial inequities within university counseling centers.

Combating the White-Nationalist Terrorist Threat

Six practical steps to defeat white nationalist terrorism.

Systemic Inequality: Displacement, Exclusion, and Segregation

The United States must reckon with the racism built into its housing system in order to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to build wealth.

Truth and Reconciliation

In order to address centuries of collective harm to African Americans, the United States must acknowledge the impacts of slavery and make an intentional choice to rebuild itself in an equitable manner.

Systematic Inequality and Economic Opportunity

Eliminating racial disparities in economic well-being requires long-term, targeted interventions to expand access to opportunity for people of color.

Simulating How Progressive Proposals Affect the Racial Wealth Gap

Most policy interventions, even those that are seemingly large or ambitious, are insufficient to close the racial wealth gap.

Systematic Inequality and American Democracy

While the nation has undoubtedly made progress, entrenched structural racism continues to corrupt American democracy and preserve racial inequality.

3 Ways to Improve the Outcomes for African Americans in the Rural South

Policymakers must work to combat the many forms of structural racism that continue to disadvantage African Americans in the rural South.

Yes, the President Is Still a Racist

Following a recent op-ed in The Washington Post condemning the racist remarks of President Trump, two Black former Obama administration staffers sit down with Daniella to discuss how the country can move forward.

Trade and Race

Lawmakers should center black communities when considering the fall of manufacturing and the role of trade policy in mitigating negative employment effects.

Racial Disparities in Home Appreciation

Segregation and racial disparities in home appreciation put African Americans at a disadvantage in their ability to build equity and accumulate wealth.

Student Debt: An Overlooked Barrier to Increasing Teacher Diversity

Black and Latinx students’ disparate experiences with student loan debt compared with their white counterparts may affect their choice to enter or stay in the teaching profession.

A Quality Education for Every Child

The time is now for policymakers to take a bold and comprehensive approach to K-12 education.

Florida’s Modern-Day Poll Tax

Florida officials are rejecting the will of the people in order to suppress the vote.

To Begin Solving Student Debt, the Education Department Must Factor In Race and Ethnicity

Higher education is failing many borrowers of color, and identifying solutions will require collecting better data.

Darrick Hamilton: The Blueprint for a Better Society

This week, Daniella and Ed speak with Darrick Hamilton, executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University, to discuss the U.S. economy, inequality, and reparations.

CAP Ideas 2019: Mitch Landrieu on Reckoning With America’s Past

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu speaks at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference on the importance of a true reckoning with America’s past in order to truly guarantee dignity and opportunity to all.

CAP Ideas 2019: Stacey Abrams on Amplifying Voices and Votes

Stacey Abrams spoke at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference, sharing her three solutions to combat voter suppression efforts and amplify new voices.

Using Marijuana Revenue to Create Jobs

The war on drugs crushed economic opportunity in African American and Latinx communities, but marijuana tax revenue can help fuel job growth.

3 Ways the 1994 Crime Bill Continues to Hurt Communities of Color

Lawmakers must dismantle the crime bill’s harmful policies and enact solutions that reduce reliance on incarceration, prevent unnecessary criminalization, and eliminate the draconian laws keeping millions of Americans in prison.

Progressive Governance Can Turn the Tide for Black Farmers

Inclusive progressive solutions are key to addressing the structural racism of previous U.S. farm policies—something that nearly wiped out black farmers.

Equity Audits: A Tool for Campus Improvement

Newly proposed legislation will help colleges identify ways to better serve students of all backgrounds.

6 Communities That Trump’s Latest SNAP Proposal Would Hurt Most

President Trump’s end run around Congress would take nutrition assistance away from at least 755,000 people.

The Madness Doesn’t End in March

Big-time college sports distort the reality of black male students’ experience on college campuses, so much so that black male athletes represent a sizable chunk of black men in Power Five schools.

The 1994 Crime Bill Continues to Undercut Justice Reform—Here’s How to Stop It

Lawmakers who are considering what should follow the FIRST STEP Act, the federal sentencing and prison reform effort, must begin by reversing the infrastructure that the 1994 federal crime bill created.

Kim Foxx: What Does It Mean To Be a Progressive Prosecutor?

This week, Daniella and Ed speak with Kim Foxx, the state's attorney for Cook County, Illinois, about what it means to be a progressive prosecutor.

The State of the U.S. Labor Market: Pre-February 2019 Jobs Day Release

Policymakers and economists must consider the challenges of disabled workers and other populations who face high labor market barriers when evaluating the health of the labor market and implementing policies that affect it.

Candice Jones: ‘It’s Been a Month’

This week, Daniella and Ed chat with Candice Jones—president and CEO of the Public Welfare Foundation—to reflect on this year's Black History Month and discuss criminal justice reform.

Representation Matters: In Conversation With the Cast of Netflix’s ‘One Day at a Time’

This week, Ed and Daniella sit down with Gloria Calderón Kellet, Justina Machado, and Isabella Gomez—the showrunner and stars of Netflix series 'One Day at a Time'—to discuss the importance of representation on their new show.

Congress Needs to Stop Trump’s Continued Infliction of Harm and Suffering on Puerto Ricans

Puerto Rican families continue to suffer from unemployment and food insecurity following hurricanes Irma and Maria. They deserve to be able to put food on the table for their families, and Congress should address this much-needed funding now.

How Misinformation Fueled Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in the Tijuana Border Region

Misinformation on social media led to heightened anti-immigrant sentiment targeting the migrant caravan in the Tijuana border region.

Trump’s Shutdown Threatened the American Dream, Especially for People of Color

More than 228,000 people of color were furloughed or forced to work without pay because of the president’s decision to shut down the government in an effort to gain funding for a border wall.

The State of the U.S. Labor Market: Pre-January 2019 Jobs Release

Policymakers and economists need to center populations who face high labor market barriers when evaluating the health of the labor market.

State Future Funds: Investing in Community Resilience Across the United States

As communities are hit with more intense extreme weather, floods, and wildfires fueled by climate change, Congress must invest in solutions that build our nation’s resilience.

Expanding the Authority of State Attorneys General to Combat Police Misconduct

In the absence of federal leadership, states must adopt policies and allocate resources to promote effective and constitutional policing.

Wage Gaps and Outcomes in Apprenticeship Programs

A closer look at regional differences in apprenticeship programs spotlights the disparate outcomes that result from place, race, and gender and how these interact to exacerbate pay inequities.

When a Job Is Not Enough

Despite working as much or more than white families, Latinx families have less wealth.

Sandy Still Speaks: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland

This week, Daniella moderates a panel with Cannon Lambert, the Bland family attorney, and David Heilbroner, co-director of the documentary, “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland,” during a live screening of the film at the Center for American Progress.

Public Policies Promoting Healthy Eating and Exercise

Implementing public policies to reduce obesity may help prevent chronic disease and increase life expectancy, particularly for low-income individuals.

25 Ways Sessions and His Justice Department Criminalized and Terrorized Communities of Color

Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a man tapped to head the DOJ despite a troubling history, aggressively used his office and position to undermine the rights and freedoms of people of color.

The State of the Labor Market for Latinas: Pre-October Jobs Day Release

Evaluations of the health of the labor market should center the challenges of Latinas and other populations that face high labor market barriers.

Weak Gun Laws and Public Safety Concerns in the State of Missouri

Given the increasing levels of gun violence in the state, elected leaders in Missouri should reject dangerous gun laws and push for policies that reduce gun violence and protect the safety of every Missourian.

Conservative Lawmakers Are Suppressing Voters—Here’s What You Can Do to Fight Back

Despite conservative lawmakers’ unwavering attempts to keep people from voting, Americans remain resilient.

Curbing Hate Online: What Companies Should Do Now

The Center for American Progress joined with civil and human rights groups to develop new policies for internet companies—here’s what we did and why it is important.

The Forgotten Faces of Student Loan Default

Several overlooked groups of students—including veterans and students with disabilities—continue to struggle with loan repayment.

4 Ways to Improve Access to Mental Health Services in Asian American Communities

More than 7 million Asian Americans reported poor mental health status in 2017, but too many face systemic barriers to treatment.

Michael Steele Puts a ‘Check on Stupid’

This week, Daniella and Ed sit down with Michael Steele, former Republican National Committee chairman and lieutenant governor of Maryland, to discuss how the current chaos in the conservative movement has hindered his outreach efforts to voters of color.

Mistaken Identity

With unfounded fear of gang violence growing and greater scrutiny of law enforcement tactics, there is an increasing need for public safety strategies that balance respect for individual rights.

Jason Kander Goes Outside the Wire

Hosts Daniella and Ed chat with Jason Kander, founder of the voting rights advocacy group Let America Vote, about his new book and the Nike ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick.

The Dangerous Racialization of Crime in U.S. News Media

The media’s overrepresentation of violent crime is feeding America’s distorted perception of lawlessness.

Gaps in the Debate About Asian Americans and Affirmative Action at Harvard

Race-conscious admissions policies benefit all students of color, including Asian Americans, and higher education institutions must use these practices—along with other considerations—to better ensure diversity and equity on their campuses.

Brett Kavanaugh Threatens Americans’ Fundamental Right to Vote

Senators should demand a U.S. Supreme Court Justice who will protect the right to vote for all Americans.

Combating Hate and White Nationalism in the Digital World

One year after the violent confrontation in Charlottesville stoked in large part by online hate groups, here’s what must be done to combat racism and break barriers in the digital world.

5 Ways to Increase Voter Turnout in African American Communities

Voter suppression, as well as a lack of ongoing and meaningful engagement, prevent African Americans from fully participating in the political process.

The Apprenticeship Wage and Participation Gap

Policymakers must address significant race and gender gaps in Registered Apprenticeship programs.

American Indian and Alaska Native Maternal and Infant Mortality: Challenges and Opportunities

American Indian and Alaska Native women face high rates of maternal and infant mortality.

BONUS EPISODE: Sharing the Mic on Gun Violence Prevention

This week, Michele and Igor sit down with student activist Ryan Deitsh and BeMore Group Executive Director Dejuan Patterson to discuss efforts they are both taking to prevent gun violence in America.

5 Ways to Increase Voter Turnout in Latinx American Communities

Discriminatory voting laws and lack of voter engagement prevent Latinx Americans from leveraging their full political power at the polls.

5 Ways to Increase Voter Turnout in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Systemic barriers and voter suppression tactics have contributed to a consistent gap in voter turnout between the AI/AN community and other racial and ethnic groups.

Locking Up Our Own

Michele and Igor sit down with James Forman Jr., a public defender and author, and discuss the touch-on-crime policies that resulted in disproportionate numbers of black men in prison.

BONUS EPISODE: How RFK Became ‘the Patron Saint of Black People’

This week, Michele and Igor sit down with Dawn Porter, director of "Bobby Kennedy for President," and discuss parallels between the 1968 presidential campaign and today's political climate.

Mass Incarceration, Stress, and Black Infant Mortality

The system of mass incarceration is perhaps the clearest manifestation of structural racism in the United States—with particularly damaging effects for black women and infants.

Maria Teresa Kumar on Efforts to Dehumanize the Latinx Community

Michele and Igor speak with Maria Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino, about the harmful effects of the Trump administration's actions on the Latinx community, as well as the importance of communities of color voting in 2018.

Latinas Leveraging Their Power in the Resistance

Latinas across the country are fighting for equality and against injustice.

The Neglected College Race Gap: Racial Disparities Among College Completers

White students have a significant advantage when it comes to where college completers get their credentials and what they study.

64 Years After Brown v. Board, Progressive Leaders Must Act on Segregation

Americans need renewed leadership to realize Brown’s ideals.

Blueprint for the 21st Century

CAP’s Jobs Blueprint addresses the wage stagnation and employment challenges facing working class Americans and communities left behind by investing in millions of new jobs nationwide to meet some of our nation’s most pressing economic and social needs and creating a job guarantee in the hardest-hit areas.

Bold Ideas for State Action

Americans are ready for states—the laboratories of democracy—to offer a new progressive vision for shared prosperity. This report presents a menu of state policy priorities to help people secure good jobs and good wages and to support strong and healthy communities in which all people are treated fairly and equitably.

The Environment That Racism Built

Racism in the United States is killing black mothers and babies—here’s why where they live, learn, work, and play matters.

5 Ways to Increase Asian American Voter Turnout

The Asian American community faces a persistent voter turnout disparity—but the barriers can be overcome with appropriate policy efforts.

The Tragic Association of Criminality and Blackness

This week, Igor discusses the damaging association of criminality and blackness with writer Clint Smith and Brian Ferguson, director of the Washington, D.C., Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs.

BONUS EPISODE: Confronting the Racist Past of National Geographic

Igor and guest host Danyelle Solomon chat with Susan Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic, and discuss the magazine's racist history and its efforts to include more diverse perspectives moving forward.

When Communities Didn’t Have a Say

President Trump wants to take America back to the days before the National Environmental Policy Act; these stories show why that would be disastrous.

Second Chance Cities: Local Efforts to Promote Re-Entry Success

In honor of Second Chance Month, Prison Fellowship’s campaign to eliminate barriers to opportunity for justice-involved Americans, CAP is highlighting the range of approaches that cities have adopted to promote second chances for all of their residents.

Racism: The Evergreen Toxin Killing Black Mothers and Infants

A growing body of research on U.S. maternal and infant mortality rates among African Americans suggests that the nation must confront racism.