The role of political leaders is to promote the formulation of policies that resonate with the demands of their people. President-elect Joe Biden needs to consider evidence-based strategies to address the gaps in education and law enforcement. As a participant in the intended meetings to advise Biden, I am planning to consider the power of a renewed civil rights agenda. Specifically, the administration needs to be more focused on race and justice. Such an approach will deviate from most of the administrative policies put in place today.
For this focus group, there is a need for the members to consider the current statistics and implement powerful measures to address the situation. For instance, the percentage of African American students in schools in 2017 was around 14 percent. The rate had also decreased from the statistics of 2014 by around 5 percent. Native and minority students are three more times to be excluded from schools in comparison with other learners. Many students from minority groups find it hard to get job opportunities in comparison with other groups. Some schools associated with African Americans lack competent educators who can provide personalized instructions.
The American criminal justice and law enforcement present shocking statistics that the Biden administration should take seriously. Whites represent 65.5 percent of police officers. In Minneapolis, blacks were 60 percent of officers. Fortunately, this figure explains why the region has been recording reduced arrests for African Americans. However, the national statistics indicate that members of this minority group have ten times the chances of being arrested in comparison with whites. Around 58 percent of individuals assaulted by police are blacks. African Americans and indigenous Americans are two times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police. A report by the Pew Research Center indicated that 1,500 African American prisoners for a population of 100,000 adults. This number is a representation of around 34 percent of the population. The number of increased persons has also been higher for Hispanics.
With these statistics, I am convinced that the current administration policies are neutral and intended to meet the demands of all citizens. Unfortunately, such frameworks have presented additional problems in the country. African Americans continue to lag behind in the fields of education. They are unable to get better job opportunities in different sectors. Similarly, the law enforcement measures are biased and incapable of providing equal support to all citizens.
A renewed civil rights agenda is needed within the next four years. The presented data reveals that a model that favors African Americans and Hispanics is needed. The framework will widen the opportunities and educational resources for these minority groups. Such a civil rights model will allow members of these minority groups to be presented in all areas of the economy. The criminal and law enforcement systems should also be redesigned in such a way that they support the needs of African Americans and other underserved populations. The focus group will consider additional initiatives to meet the demands of these individuals. I would, therefore, recommend a deviation from a race-neutral model to ensure that more people achieve their potential. The targeted beneficiaries will record improved economic experiences and social mobilities.