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Is racism a widespread problem in NH?

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A series of racial incidents over the past year have some advocates calling for more policies and programs to fight racism in New Hampshire.

A series of racial incidents

This September the Oyster River Cooperative School District announced an investigation into racist comments made on an elementary school bus.

The state Attorney General's office is helping Claremont investigate an alleged violent attack against a biracial boy on August 28.

Earlier in August Christopher Cantwell, a podcaster from Keene, was arrested for his role in violence during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Last spring students at the University of New Hampshire protested a rash of racial incidents, from swastika graffiti to a viral Facebook post featuring a student wearing what appeared to be blackface.

There is no single group responsible for these attacks; they are isolated incidents.  However, to some advocates, these incidents are the symptom of an undercurrent of racism in the Granite State.

Is racism a widespread problem?

A recent report from 24/7 Wall Street ranked New Hampshire 46th in the nation for racial equality.  The article noted that  the median household income of black residents is roughly half the income of white residents in the Granite State.

A similar report from WalletHub ranked New Hampshire much higher for "racial integration," at 26th.  That article highlighted relatively small gaps between black and white citizens in unemployment and standardized test scores.

The economic status of people of color may not have a direct relationship with racist attitudes, however.

Racist attitudes are hard to measure directly because people are generally reluctant to admit they judge other people based on race.  One way to get around this reluctance is to look at the comments people make online.  A 2015 study of Google searches with the n-word and a 2016 study of racial slurs on Twitter both found that New Hampshire residents are far below average when it comes to derogatory language online.

Should New Hampshire take action?

Whether racism is widespread or rare in New Hampshire, policymakers are responding to the recent racial attacks.

State Rep. Mindi Messmer has already requested a 2018 resolution "condemning hate crimes and any other form of racism in New Hampshire."  A resolution by the Legislature does not have any impact on laws.

A taskforce at the University of New Hampshire is preparing recommendations to improve the racial climate on campus.

Oyster River Cooperative School District is planning a multicultural forum and other programs.

Do you think your local or state government should act to fight racism in the community?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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