Public policy scholars have an obligation to speak out against structural racism
The persistent and pervasive police violence against Black communities must stop. For too long, elite, predominantly white institutions such as the one where we work have chosen to avert their eyes to the abuse of police power.
As scholars, we study cities and local governments. The purpose of local governments is to support their residents, to provide schools and job training, decent housing, reliable transportation, safe drinking water, parks, open space, and libraries — and to create an environment where all residents are safe. Police are part of this local government infrastructure.
Too often, though, police do not provide equal protection for everyone. They treat white residents as allies, but Black residents and other people of color as objects of suspicion. That attitude, that behavior, is in direct violation of the mission of public service. It is unjust and unjustifiable. And it must end.
The disproportionate use of police violence against Black people is systemic. Jacob Blake is not an isolated incident. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor are not isolated incidents. They are victims of deeply embedded structural racism. Systemic problems can only be solved by fundamental changes to the systems that create and sustain those problems. History has shown that the police cannot effectively police themselves — that they struggle to hold themselves accountable. Therefore, a concerned public must do it.
We are not experts in criminal justice, so we encourage readers interested in specific policy recommendations to read the extensive work of our colleague Dr. Rashawn Ray. Going forward, we will make greater efforts to highlight the mechanisms and consequences of structural racism in our own areas of expertise, and what to do about it, including access to well-paid jobs, local entrepreneurship, wealth-building opportunities, broadband internet, and affordable housing in vibrant communities. Our work will try harder to center the assets and strengths of Black, brown, and low-income communities — including an accurate 2020 Census count. We will advocate for policies that move away from the exclusion and isolation of minority communities, and empower investments that help people of color thrive.
We pledge that we will use our expertise, our privilege, and our influence to fight against structural racism. Our institution’s commitment to integrity and impact demands no less.
Signed,
William Frey
Annelies M. Goger
Tracy Hadden Loh
Molly Kinder
Mark Muro
Joe Parilla
Andre Perry
Martha Ross
Jenny Schuetz
Adie Tomer
Jennifer S. Vey