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What are Civil Rights?
Civil Rights are the guarantees of equal social opportunities and protection under the law, regardless of race, religion, ability or other characteristics. Examples are the rights to vote, to a fair trial, to government services, and to a public education. Even with the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, minorities continue to experience systematic inequality.
Why It Matters
Criminal Justice Reform and Critical Race Theory are two issues directly affecting North Texas. EmpowerWoC would like you to learn about why these issues are important and how you can help.
While no criminal justice system is entirely perfect, neither is that of the United States. African Americans are nearly six times more likely to get incarcerated than their white counterparts. Reform aims to fix these errors, and there are a number of organizations involved in the movement in various ways, including:
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Reducing harsh prison sentences
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Changing the drug sentencing policy surrounding the war on drugs
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Decriminalizing certain laws, including drug policies
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Prioritizing rehabilitation of offenders, especially juvenile offenders
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Altering policies surrounding food assistance programs and voting rights for previous offenders
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Changing minimum sentencing laws
The Texas Legislature banned Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught at public schools - but what does it mean?
Simply put, critical race theory states that U.S. social institutions (e.g., the criminal justice system, education system, labor market, housing market, and healthcare system) are laced with racism embedded in laws, regulations, rules, and procedures that lead to differential outcomes by race.
Below, you will find articles which educate you on criminal justice reform and CRT.
