How does institutional racism manifest in societal structures, and what distinguishes equity from equality in the context of social justice?

Institutional racism happens when laws, policies, and practices in society create disadvantages for certain racial groups, even if there is no intention to discriminate. For example, if a school district has funding rules that favor wealthier neighborhoods, schools in poorer areas, often with more students of color, may receive less money, leading to poorer education. This shows how societal structures can reinforce inequality without anyone explicitly trying to be unfair. When we talk about equity versus equality in social justice, equality means treating everyone the same, while equity means giving people what they need to be successful, which can look different for different groups. Therefore, equity seeks to address the specific barriers faced by marginalized communities, ensuring a fairer outcome for all.