Understanding the Broader Role of Reparations in Achieving Racial Equity

Abstract

This study was designed to gather information on where the public feels the country currently stands on racial equity and explore attitudes towards a range of actions and services that could be offered to African Americans under the umbrella of reparations beyond the standard discussion of monetary payouts to individuals or communities as a whole. It was undertaken before the current calls for social justice and racial equity had reached their peak, and the findings show major support for each of the alternative forms of reparations, indicating a potential policy opportunity to advance negotiations on a complete program of reparations. It is only by confronting our country’s long history of racial violence and subjugation that we may finally begin reaching towards real racial equity.