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Sometimes Public Policy Increases Discrimination

We create policies to protect and serve the common good. Most often this happens when a problem arises (for example, the coronavirus), and the government takes some action (like mandating business closures). Over time, we learn which strategies are working to address the problem, and which ones are not. Effective governing leaves room for exceptions and adaptations to maximize the common good. We've seen this with the evolving means for businesses to seek operating exemptions when they provide a vital service. Occasionally, the public learns about people or organizations leveraging their political connections or other means of advocating for positions that prioritize benefits for individuals or organizations, rather than for the public good. In a highly functioning democracy, an effective feedback loop based on measuring the effects of the policies help legislators provide equitable access and protections for all.


Like health, public education is critical to the safe and effective functioning of the general public, most importantly at the local community level. Unfortunately, research shows the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program allows discrimination against individuals, due to intense pressure from those receiving the funding to allow it. Public organizations (like schools) receive government funding to provide a good or service for the common good and must abide by non-discrimination policies. Yet we allow education improvement scholarship dollars to be funneled to private schools and nonprofit organizations that advocated for the removal of non-discrimination language specifically so they could continue discriminatory practices while receiving education tax credit dollars. The lack of a powerful, coordinated opposing voice allowed it to happen.

Read more at : Engaged Sociology

Photo credit: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND


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