Housing Discrimination & Environmental Harm
Environmental justice offers a critical perspective on the ongoing legacy of systemic inequities in society. A capstone project by Philadelphia-area educator Cassandra Bunje for the Liberal Studies MA program, “An Exploration of Environmental Justice with a Focus on Connecting Historical Redlining Practices to Current Environmental Racism,” examines the connections between historical redlining practices and contemporary environmental racism. Her work uncovers how marginalized communities continue to face disproportionate environmental challenges, including toxic waste, polluted air, and limited access to essential resources like clean water and green spaces.
Bunje’s research highlights the role of discriminatory policies like redlining in shaping environmental harm, revealing how these practices have systematically targeted vulnerable communities. Drawing from case studies such as the Flint water crisis and the prevalence of exclusionary zoning, her analysis exposes the deep and lasting impacts of these policies. Her work brings together historical context and current realities to underscore the urgent need for structural reform.
This capstone serves as a compelling call to action, emphasizing the need for equitable resource allocation and inclusive environmental policies. By examining the intersections of race, socioeconomic status, and environmental justice, Bunje provides a framework for addressing these pressing issues. To learn more about her findings, read the full capstone here.
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