Housing and rental discrimination still persist today.  In the past, discrimination was more open and overt; today, it is subtle.  Minority buyers and renters are treated less favorably than whites.  Whites generally are given more information, help, and options than minorities by realtors, bankers, and insurance providers.  For example, banks have become stricter to minorities, offering “higher down payments and less favorable mortgage rates.”  As a result, minorities have a tougher time buying a house.  Very little has been done to dismantle the segregated neighborhoods.  Real estate practices continue to contribute to residential segregation. Even today, the Fair Housing Act is not adequately enforced.  For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is processing fewer complaints, it is taking longer to process complaints, and victim compensation has declined.

I truly believe that educating those in poverty can help decrease urban poverty rates. Inner city schools should provide equal opportunities to students that other schools in the U.S. offer. If funding is an issue for inner city schools, then the government should increase the schools’ funding (easier said than done). Federal aid and programs can work but they are seriously flawed. Many people that qualify to receive aid can use the assistance. But if they are working and receive raises for doing well or promoted to a higher position with a higher wage, those once eligible for aid will no longer be eligible. Thus, these people can be worse off if they receive a wage increase. We can’t slightly open the door for those in poverty and then shut the door once they reach the handle. I remember one class we spoke about whether a job application should have a box to check for those that were incarcerated. If the box disappeared, many more people will be able to get jobs and support their families. Of course those that sexually molested children shouldn’t be able to work in a daycare (or anywhere). But the people who were busted for petty crimes, such as carrying drugs in their pocket, should be able to work.