LWVAAC Books for Learning
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein (a synopsis)
In The Color of Law, Richard Rothstein argues with precision and insight how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Racial segregation of our neighborhoods has long been viewed as a manifestation of unscrupulous real estate agents, unethical mortgage lenders, and exclusionary covenants. This is commonly known as "de facto” segregation, practices resulting from private activity, not law or public policy. However, Rothstein shows in case after case, that private activity could not have sustained segregation without government policies designed to ensure the separation of African Americans from whites. The term for this is “de jure” segregation. Because these policies resulted in the unfair treatment of citizens, Rothstein argues “de jure” segregation violates the Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
Revisiting LWVMD Legislative Day, March 6, 2018 - An Inside Look
The morning walk from the garage to the Miller Senate Building on March 6 was freezing at 27 degrees. Once inside, my guest and I were greeted by league volunteers, warm coffee and well organized topic papers to peruse.
As a League newbie, we were ushered to a fabulous tour of the legislative complex by well informed State guide, Sue Williams. A memorable stop was visiting “Mr. Bill” in the Department of Legislative Services. Only a month into the 2018 session, nearly 3,100 bills were recorded, with many more to arrive in the months ahead. Upon asking, we learned that the public’s most requested bills involve gun control. The House of Delegates was in full session and acknowledged us LWVMD members in the Gallery.
Read moreApril - Letter from the President
At our February discussion of William Barber’s The Third Reconstruction, members asked how the author’s fusion coalition movement is relevant to the League’s mission, and agreed that the overlap is voter enfranchisement. Our second Books for Learning selection, The Color of Law, documents de jure segregation in the U.S. over the past century. Deeply disturbing to read, it reinforces another key LWV principle, that of open and accountable government. The Color of Law will be the subject of our meeting on Tuesday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m. hosted by Arlene Gavin; please let her know if you’re able to attend.
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