2020 Election Guide on Racial Equity

By MaLaysia Mitchell | Publisher

Election day is tomorrow, and our nation is at a critical point in history. We are in the midst of a pandemic, civil unrest, and an economic crisis. Much is at stake. There is undeniable political polarization, a rise in conspiracy theories, and increased dissemination of outright fake news. It can be hard to parse out what is true and what is simply fear mongering.

So, if you haven’t yet voted, we are here to help do some of the leg work in your research. We know that a few key issues for voters are healthcare, the economy, pandemic management, and immigration. Today we will focus on each candidate’s platform on racial equity.

President Donald Trump: Make America Great Again

As the existing president, Donald Trump has already made his mark in regard to policies impacting racial equity. Notably, he has recently signed an executive order banning diversity training for federal employees. Despite this, he has made some effort to promote and support vulnerable populations. President Trump now campaigns on the new proposed Platinum Plan, which is designed to uplift Black America. Here are some of his promises:

Economy

Increase of $500 billion in capital for Black America:

$20 billion in broadband and internet access for education and telehealth.
Increase employment rate and wages.
Find alternative ways to build credit.
Increase on-shoring and manufacturing job opportunities.

Education

Close failing schools and provide more choices for school selection.
Support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Community

Make Juneteenth a national holiday.
Defend religious freedom.
Protect life.
Prosecute KKK and Antifa.
Diversity training for police.

For more on President Donald Trump’s plan to alleviate racial inequities, head to his campaign website.

Former Vice President Joseph Biden: Build Back Better

Biden’s main strategy in addressing racial inequities in the country is to mitigate the financial and wealth disparities. In his plan, there is particular emphasis on Black, Latino, Native, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and their specific needs with small business investment and neighborhood revitalization.

Here are some of the campaign’s objectives and a few of its respective policies and programs (not exhaustive):

Increase racial equity within the American economy for small businesses

$150 billion in capital for small business.
Use government resources to protect Native artisans.
Increase Black and Brown business potential in the global market.

Increase homeownership for BIPOC

Encourage homeownership through advanceable and refundable tax credit up to $15,000.
Construction of 1.5 million homes that are energy efficient, affordable, and built in ideal locations for maintaining convenient living.
Creation of a public credit reporting agency that would broaden what contributes to credit scores and minimize racially discriminatory practices seen in private agencies.
New homeowner and renter bill of rights to protect against abuse.

Education, training, and management equity for BIPOC

Debt forgiveness for two- and four-year public colleges, HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) for those earning $125,000 or less (and make tuition free for those with the same household income).
$20 Billion investment in the infrastructure of HBCUs, MSIs, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TSUs).
$50 billion toward workforce training programs that promote access to higher wage jobs.

Other key initiatives

Dignity and fair wages in the work place for POC.
Second chance opportunities and rehabilitation approaches.

To learn more, head to Joe Biden’s campaign website.

Regardless of where you stand politically, it is crucial to exercise your right to vote! Those we elect set policies that impact generations. If there is a cause that you’re passionate about — whether it is climate policy, gender issues, or reproductive rights — elected positions on the local, state, and federal level can advocate for and pass legislation that is important to you.

Your vote matters!

For information and resources on voting see the links below:

One thought on “2020 Election Guide on Racial Equity”

Pingback: 4 racial equity resolutions for 2021 – Intersected