Hard Truths: Why Only Race-Conscious Policies Can Fix Racism in Higher Education

More than 150 years after the 13th amendment was ratified to end slavery, nearly 3 out of 4 Black adults and more than half of White adults describe race relations as “bad,” and that the legacy of slavery still has a considerable impact on Black people in American society. It is within this context that policies designed to address racial inequalities continue to face strong opposition. In this context, the authors provide arguments for why race-conscious policies that are designed to eliminate racism are necessary. They share data that explains why a focus on income alone may not close gaps in opportunity and outcomes for students of color, particularly Black students and families. Finally, they offer strategies on how leaders and policymakers can design and implement race-conscious policies in higher education.