“There is blatant racism in policies that
permeates the Minnesota State Legislature.”
—State Senator Mee Moua (DFL-67)

One path to understanding institutional racism in the Saint Paul-greater metropolitan area begins with the August 2002 report Racism and Metropolitan Dynamics: The Civil Rights Challenge of the 21st Century prepared by the University of Minnesota Institute on Race & Poverty, which includes recommendations related to a regional approach to policy-making around housing, transportation and economic development (jobs).

"For far too long, racial justice advocates and communities of color have been given “either-or” propositions by policymakers: affordable housing in middle-class areas or the preservation of a community; few employment opportunities or assimilation into majority White suburbs; and high achieving schools or meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

These “either-or” propositions are unacceptable. Communities of color must be able to access the full spectrum of rights and opportunities or racism will continue to reconfigure and reproduce itself."

What's a parent to do?

Taking on Institutional Racism sounds like a huge undertaking, but there are some good starting points for parents who want to be part of the solution.

At home and at school...

• Learn about the vibrant Cultural Communities that make up our social fabric and encourage diversity in your children's friendships and your relationships with their friends' parents.
  
  
• Study the various models of Cultural Competence and work to apply them in the Parent Groups and Site Councils at your children's schools.
  
  
• Listen to the concerns of parents in your school community and work to address them. (The October 2004 Embracing Diversity report produced by NEAT provides a good starting point for parent-led, school-based efforts.)
  
  
• And, perhaps most importantly, watch for those moments when you see racism happening, and hold yourself and others accountable for the ways we treat each other as meaningful participants in decision-making processes.

As an advocate for our children and our schools...

It's important to know Metropolitan Council is the public agency charged with coordinating regional efforts.  As a public agency, Metropolitan Council is accountable to the voters and taxpayers of Minnesota (that means you!). 

In January 2004, the Council produced the 2030 Regional Development Framework, a plan for how the Council—in partnership with local communities, builders, environmentalists and others—can guide our region’s growth and shape our future. 

Review the framework through the lens of Institutional Racism and begin communicating with the Council and the Governor (who appoints the members of the governing board of the Council) to share your ideas and concerns.

#     #     #

(Undated) Opportunity for All: Closing the racial disparities gap in Minnesota - Racial disparities represent the single greatest threat to the long-term prosperity and economic health of the state, Minneapolis Foundation.