The next two weeks, we’re doing something different! Here are some of the “lows” we saw over the last year.
Fearmongering Over Critical Race Theory
- Critical race theory, the general concept that institutions are laden with bias, was perhaps the most hot-button topic of the year. It spurred voters to action and won entire elections. We’re upset that a documented, statistical reality is under debate, especially in the classroom. Now, teachers across the country are prevented from teaching basic lessons about Jim Crow, civil rights, and our Founding Fathers.
Disparities in COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination
- The pandemic was difficult in every sense of the world and for everyone, but none more so than communities of color. We saw racial disparities in COVID-19 infection, test availability, and even vaccine access. The pandemic doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for some time, but we hope that our elected officials act through community outreach and understanding the historic mistrust of the medical community.
- If the first 100 days of a presidency are the strongest, President Biden must’ve missed the memo. Conservatives have continued to push election fraud claims as statehouses pass measures designed to prevent minorities from voting. So far, Congress has done absolutely nothing to stop them, leading Rev. King’s family to organize a march in support of voting rights reform early next year. We hope that galvanizes some action despite the lows we’ve seen since the 2020 election.
Inability to Pass Social Spending Bill
- Another failure of the Biden administration so far is its inability to pass its social spending package, called Build Back Better. Despite its benefits for the American people, and specifically communities of color, it sits in limbo based on the whims of just a few senators. Its passage is key to the upcoming midterms and even more important for Black and Brown families and businesses that need relief following the pandemic, all of which saw new lows in financial standing.
Continued Rise of Far-Right Extremism
- The year started off with far-right insurrectionists storming the capitol, perhaps setting the tone for what was to come. Either way, the rise of far-right, white extremism continued this year, resulting in hate crimes and threats of violence against teachers and voting officials. To prevent as such from continuing, we must invest in enforcement and intelligence based on real threats, not our preconceived notions of terrorism.
What do you think of the news in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
