Racial Justice

Systemic racism and inequality continue to persist in the United States, manifesting in every facet of our society. To achieve greater racial justice in our nation, JCPA believes that we must actively strive not only to dismantle systemic racism, but to also repair its harms.

JCPA has worked to advance civil rights, end racism, and build an inclusive, fair, and just society since the 1940s. Fighting against racial injustice and discriminatory policies is a cornerstone of Jewish community relations work, building upon our faith tradition and values as a Jewish people. Our  work is informed by a racial justice lens and the needs of the multiracial, multiethnic demographic of our country and our Jewish community.

The platform below is a compilation of JCPA’s existing policies in support of racial justice. While these policies were developed individually, it clear that they must be pursued collectively to effectively combat systemic racism and inequality. JCPA follows the lead of people of color and works in solidarity with our diverse partner organizations.

Platform

Criminal Justice

The criminal legal system must reflect a rehabilitative and restorative justice approach to public safety to end mass incarceration and its disproportionate impact on people and communities of color. Building healthy, safe communities for all requires investing in noncarceral programs and social services, such as education, housing, employment, health care, and other public benefits that make communities safer and more equitable. This includes reimagining public safety and the role of police in our society. (For more information click here)

Economic Opportunity

Provide the necessary assistance to ensure that every person is able to sustain a basic standard of living. Any comprehensive strategy to combat poverty must include strengthening the assets—from home equity to savings to pensions and retirement accounts—of low-income families, particularly for people of color, historically denied the ability to accumulate wealth and assets.

Education

Education is one of the most important determinants of lifetime earnings, social mobility, and health outcomes. In a society that prides itself on being the “land of opportunity,” race and poverty should not be the deciding factor in a child’s prospects for the future. Ensuring equitable, quality public education, from early childhood education to robust after-school programs and extracurriculars to post-secondary education, is vital in reducing racial inequities and injustices. School curricula should confront American history as it is and be culturally inclusive and sensitive so that all students can see themselves reflected in their studies.

Environmental and Climate Justice

All people have the right to live, work, study, and play in environments free of dangerous air, water, or land pollution, which harms public health and quality of life. Low-income communities and communities of color, both in the U.S. and internationally, should not have to suffer the disproportionate burden of climate change, environmental destruction, and pollution.

Health

Everyone living in the United States is entitled to quality, affordable, accessible health care, including mental health and addiction services. Race, gender, socioeconomic status, or employment should never be determinative of the quality, timeliness, or outcomes of medical care.

Housing

Every individual, regardless of race or income, is entitled to a safe, affordable home. No one should have to choose between homelessness or forgoing medical care or going hungry. The fight for full housing is a fundamental aspect of the fight against racism.

Jobs

Every American is entitled to a living wage with paid sick and family leave, the right to unionize and collectively bargain, and fair pay—and free from wage theft, which amounts to billions of dollars stolen annually, primarily from people of color, women, and young workers.

Voting Rights

A strong, thriving democracy can only be achieved once all eligible citizens have equal access to the ballot box, unabridged by restrictions or suppressive measures that impede the ability of people of color or low-income people to cast their ballot and have their vote counted. Restoration and modernization of the Voting Rights Act is essential to achieve this goal.