AIPIS 191 - The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America with Richard Rothstein

Neighborhoods throughout America are more segregated than ever, and a lot of people don't realize that governmental action is a big reason why. Richard Rothstein is author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, and he tells Jason about how laws kept certain groups of people in certain areas of society, and how it still resonates today. Richard also tells Jason some pretty simple rule changes that could spur integration, and more affordable housing in general, throughout the country. Key Takeaways: [1:27] The government's involvement in the segregation of our neighborhoods [3:58] How governmental actions created segregated suburban communities like Levittown, NY and Lakewood, CA [7:27] The FHA would only guarantee loans to developers if they promised not to sell homes to African-Americans [10:24] The Fair Housing Act of 1968 didn't actually solve any problems because the home values had become unaffordable for working class families [19:08] Jason's take on "Environmental Racism" [23:12] There has been some recent growth of African-American suburbs, but not integrated suburbs [27:07] Richard's take on Ben Carson as head of HUD & Section 8 housing [30:39] How Section 8 housing re-enforces segregation and keeps people out of middle class neighborhoods, while allowing landlords to raise their rents Website: www.EPI.org