The statistical analysis of race

Race has always been a part of the Obama administration. And there's nothing wrong with that.

As the nation's first black president, it's understandable that the issue of race relations and racial justice should be a part of this administration's policy.

We are just now learning, however, of a massive racial database -- the largest demographic analysis in our history -- that is being collected to arm lawyers and activists with statistical information to potentially clog the judicial system for years.

This administration is hellbent to prove through statistics that racial injustice remains alive and well in this nation.

On every aspect of life, from school discipline to employment to housing, the Obama administration is developing a breakdown based strictly and solely on race.

And this new database is designed to "prove" discrimination based on statistics and no other factor.

For example, if a school has statistically too few minority students enrolled in advanced classes, then that must "prove" discrimination on the part of the school. Yet, the database makes no effort to consider the home environment of that student. Instead, it is automatically the fault of the school.

If subsidized housing is concentrated in a low income area, the database would force communities to expand their subsidized housing in more affluent areas with a nonminority concentration.

If a minority job applicant is denied employment because of a criminal-background check, then the database seeks to prove discrimination based on race and not the past criminal history.

If banks decline loan requests from minorities, the database would prove discrimination based on race and not on the past credit history of those seeking the loan.

On the housing front, if communities are unable to find locations to situate low income housing in affluent subdivisions, then those communities could lose all federal grant money and face lawsuits for housing discrimination.

As one analysis of the secret database reported: "Even if no one has complained about discrimination, even if there is no other evidence of racism, the numbers themselves will 'prove' that things are unfair."

I agree with the administration that we are long overdue on a national dialogue on race and racial relations.

But statistics don't tell the whole story, and they never will.

There are reasons for many of these issues, but they most certainly are not all the result of racial discrimination.

When we ignore the core issues that affect education or housing or employment, we do a disservice.

By all means, let's collectively examine any and all forms of discrimination and attack and change those practices that are patently unfair.

But in that same discussion, let's also examine home environment, personal responsibility and accountability as we address this critical issue in America.

Michael Jensen is the publisher of the Sikeston Standard Democrat.