Policy Glossary

Systemic/Structural/Institutional Racism

Systems and structures (e.g., economic, political, social, cultural) that have procedures or processes that disadvantage Black, indigenous/Native American, and other people of color. It is the collective failure of an organization to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their color, culture, or ethnic origin. It creates disparities in many "success indicators" (e.g., wealth, the criminal justice system, employment, housing, health care, political power, education).