Wisconsin’s Extreme Racial Disparity

Wisconsin faces some of the most extreme racial disparities in the nation, with significant gaps between white and African American residents in education, employment, income, and incarceration. These inequities are not inevitable-historical data shows that Wisconsin once offered better outcomes for African Americans. To address this, the state must adopt a comprehensive approach, including increased school funding, two-generation strategies to support both children and parents, and reforms to the juvenile justice system. By tackling these issues through coordinated policies, Wisconsin can improve economic opportunity, educational attainment, and criminal justice outcomes, fostering a more equitable future.