Racial and Ethnic Equity

Because we understand that racial disparities—which are often the unintended result of public policies and structures—overlay all of our issue areas, we consciously undertake efforts that neutralize racially inequitable impacts. Although race is a social construct with no scientific basis, personal biases and discriminatory practices have led to disparities along racial and ethnic lines. Just as wealthy families hand down their advantages to future generations, racial/ethnic disparities have impeded generation upon generation, and continue to do so.

Featured Reports

Racial and Ethnic Bias in New Mexico Drug Law Enforcement
For more than four decades, governments have used harsh criminal punishments as the primary tool to address the possession, use, and sales of illegal substances. Complex laws and regulations have been created to penalize drug use and the possession of controlled substances. These drug laws have resulted in disparate impacts for people of color. (Policy brief; July 2017) Read more
Raising the State Minimum Wage
Raising the minimum wage is an effective strategy for reducing poverty in New Mexico, particularly given the erosion of its purchasing power since it was last raised in 2009. This report looks at the demographics of the state’s minimum wage earners, as well as makes the case for indexing the wage to inflation. (A Fiscal Policy Project report; Jan. 2017) Read more
Native American Children and Families in New Mexico: Strengths and Challenges
This special report looking at economic indicators and social conditions in New Mexico’s 22 tribal communities—including the high rate of Native children who can speak a language in addition to English. (A special KIDS COUNT report; Dec. 2012) Read more

Recent Publications

Racial and Ethnic Bias in New Mexico Drug Law Enforcement

For more than four decades, governments have used harsh criminal punishments as the primary tool to address the possession, use, and sales of illegal substances. Complex laws and regulations have been created to penalize drug use and the possession of controlled substances. These drug laws have resulted in disparate impacts for people of color. (Policy brief; July 2017) Read more

Raising the State Minimum Wage

Raising the minimum wage is an effective strategy for reducing poverty in New Mexico, particularly given the erosion of its purchasing power since it was last raised in 2009. This report looks at the demographics of the state’s minimum wage earners, as well as makes the case for indexing the wage to inflation. (A Fiscal Policy Project report; Jan. 2017) Read more

Child Poverty in New Mexico

A PowerPoint presentation looking at how Black children fare in New Mexico. Includes findings from the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Race for Results report, which shows that New Mexico's Black children fare better than Black kids across the nation in many indicators. (Aug. 2016) Read more

View all Racial and Ethnic Equity publications

Recent Blog Posts

Our public lands must reflect the diversity of our people
November 21, 2016
While all Americans should feel welcome to enjoy our nation’s natural and cultural treasures, data show that racial and ethnic groups are less likely to view our national parks as part of their heritage and birthright as Americans. This makes them less likely to visit these places. There are many reasons for this, including a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the NPS staff.
How closing economic disparities for racial/ethnic minorities will benefit all
May 19, 2015
As our nation’s racial demographics change we must take steps to close the opportunity gap if we are to keep our economy strong and keep the American dream viable.
Our changing—and highly vulnerable—future workforce
April 22, 2014
When the national KIDS COUNT Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report was released earlier this month it was as if the proverbial other shoe had dropped. The first shoe that fell was New Mexico being ranked dead last in the nation in terms of child well-being. Now, Race for Results presents us with a first-ever, state-level index of racial/ethnic equity for children that shows New Mexico is also failing to provide equitable opportunities for ALL of our children to succeed at key developmental stages of life.
Immigration legislation does not take children into account
October 12, 2011
Would we all do everything in our power to ensure that our children are safe and lovingly cared for? In theory the answer is yes, but legislation that is being passed across the country is making that nearly impossible. When you encounter all of the rhetoric around the immigration issue, take a moment to think about the children.

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Resources

We led an initiative called Race Matters in 2006 with funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The materials they developed for this work are still available on their website.