Racial Discrimination in Law Enforcement and the Importance of Spreading Awareness

Author: Dalia OKeeffe

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Alexandra Moore

Easel: 71

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: This project will examine racial discrimination within law enforcement and how it targets African American and Muslim communities in the United States. Tactics of surveillance, racial profiling, and even violence are used by police to monitor innocents based purely on their religion or race. Qualitative examination of court cases brought against the government reveals the repeated pattern of unfounded racial discrimination against minorities, many of which are dismissed on purely legal grounds without addressing the underlying factual issue. The research for this project will show that utilizing social media and litigation can not only bring awareness to social issues, but provide the basis for which legitimate change can take place. Research into the effects of widespread awareness of human rights issues shows that it makes a real difference towards addressing deeply rooted problems and can be an invaluable tool to prevent unchecked racial bias in law enforcement.