Researchers ​share new details of discrimination in ​Colorado racial equity study​ update – Eastern Progress

Colorado Racial Equity Study: A Report on Progress and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

I. Introduction and Mandate

A state-mandated study is underway in Colorado to document the historical and ongoing effects of systemic racism against Black Coloradans. This initiative, established by a 2024 state law, directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily focusing on creating just, equitable, and inclusive institutions.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The study’s core mission is to identify and analyze racial disparities, providing a foundation for policies aimed at reducing inequality.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): By examining historical injustices within state systems, the study aims to promote accountability and inform the development of more effective and inclusive institutions.

The findings will be used by the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission to formulate legislative recommendations designed to address these documented inequities.

II. Project Status and Timeline

The research component of the project is progressing ahead of schedule and under budget, while the economic analysis phase faces a funding deficit.

1. Historical Report: A full draft detailing historical inequalities is scheduled for completion by November of next year.
2. Supplementary Materials: Following the draft, researchers will compile data tables, maps, and primary source documents.
3. Economic Analysis: A funding gap of $550,000 has been identified for this critical phase of the project, which is essential for quantifying the economic impact of discrimination, a key target under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

III. Research Progress and Community Engagement

Significant progress has been made in data collection and community outreach, reflecting a commitment to inclusive research methodologies in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Topical Investigations: Six investigations are complete, with eight more expected by the end of the year and approximately twelve others by next fall.
• Oral Histories: The project aims to complete 100 new oral histories and digitize dozens of existing records to preserve personal testimony.
• Community Listening Sessions: Sessions have been completed in Denver and Pueblo, with additional sessions scheduled for Boulder, Durango, and Colorado Springs to ensure broad community participation.

IV. Preliminary Findings on Systemic Inequities

Initial research has uncovered significant evidence of systemic discrimination, highlighting historical failures to meet the targets of key SDGs.

A. Justice System Disparities (SDG 16)

Research into the criminal justice system reveals profound inequities that undermine the goal of ensuring equal access to justice for all.

• The percentage of botched executions was significantly higher for Black Coloradans, with methods that resulted in prolonged death.
• Between the 1870s and 1940s, the incarceration rate for Black individuals was five to ten times their proportion of the state’s population.
• Official records and media reports used reductive and dehumanizing language, demonstrating institutional bias. An archival record from 1906 illustrates the intersectional discrimination faced by Black women, a concern related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

B. Housing and Economic Exclusion (SDG 10 & SDG 11)

Findings related to banking and real estate demonstrate practices that directly contravene the goals of reducing inequality and creating inclusive communities (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• A “gentleman’s agreement” among Denver banks and realtors actively prevented Black Coloradans from purchasing homes in certain areas until the 1970s.
• An unwritten policy among real estate agents barred Black clients from buying outside of designated areas, regardless of their financial standing, institutionalizing segregation and economic disparity.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The entire article is centered on a study examining the “historical and ongoing effects of racism against Black Coloradans.” This directly addresses the core mission of SDG 10, which is to reduce inequality within and among countries by targeting systemic discrimination and promoting the inclusion of all, irrespective of race or origin.

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

     The article highlights significant injustices within the legal and criminal justice systems, such as the disproportionately high percentage of botched executions and incarceration rates for Black Coloradans. The study’s purpose to inform “legislative recommendations” also connects to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, which is a key aspect of SDG 16.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The mention of a “gentleman’s agreement” between banks and realtors to prevent Black Coloradans from buying houses in certain areas directly relates to SDG 11. This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable, which includes ensuring access to adequate and non-discriminatory housing for all residents.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

     The article explicitly states that the commission will use the study’s research and analysis to “make legislative recommendations.” This aligns perfectly with the goal of eliminating discriminatory practices (like those found in banking, housing, and criminal justice) and promoting new legislation to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome for Black Coloradans.

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

     The findings that the incarceration rate for Black people was “five to 10 times that of the Black population in the state” and that the percentage of botched executions was “much higher” for Black Coloradans are clear evidence of a historical failure to ensure equal access to justice. The study documents these disparities, which is the first step toward addressing them.

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

     The research uncovered an “‘unwritten law amongst real estate agents that Negroes cannot buy houses outside of their area no matter what the individual financial standing might be.'” This discriminatory practice is a direct barrier to accessing adequate housing, which Target 11.1 aims to eliminate.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   • Disproportion in the justice system

     The article provides specific quantitative and qualitative data that can serve as indicators of inequality in the justice system. These include:

     • “The percentage of incarcerated people who were Black between the 1870s and 1940s was about five to 10 times that of the Black population in the state.”
     • “The percentage of botched executions for Black Coloradans was ‘much higher’ than for other demographics.”

     These historical data points serve as baseline indicators of the extent of racial disparity.

   • Existence of discriminatory housing practices

     The identification of the “gentleman’s agreement” and the quote about the “‘unwritten law amongst real estate agents'” serve as a qualitative indicator of systemic housing discrimination. Documenting the existence and impact of such practices is a way to measure the barriers to equal housing access.

   • Legislative and policy reform

     An implied indicator for measuring future progress is the development and implementation of the “legislative recommendations” that the commission will create based on the study’s findings. The number, scope, and effectiveness of these new laws and policies would be a direct measure of progress toward Target 10.3.

Summary of Findings

Source: easternprogress.com