University of Detroit Mercy Hosts Symposium on Race, Class and Environmental Justice
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s event will address how Michigan’s environmental problems affects the most vulnerable populations.
The intersection of environmental justice, race and class has permeated the public discourse in Michigan after a range of environmental hazards, including the Flint water crisis, plagued the state.
“Regulations are only as strong as their enforcement.” – Nick Schroeck, University of Detroit Mercy
The burden of toxic environments has often fallen on the shoulders of communities with lower socioeconomic standing. The University of Detroit Mercy Law Review is addressing this very issue of environmental justice and inequality in their impending symposium: Race, Class, and Environmental Justice.
Listen: Detroit Mercy School of Law looks to address issues of environmental justice and inequality.
Guests:
Nick Schroeck, Associate Dean of Experiential Education and Associate Professor at Detroit Mercy School of Law says analysis of maps show an overlap of toxic environments in areas where redlining has occurred. He insists this is no coincidence and rather that the overlap points to a systemic problem. Schroeck says that at the symposium he will be discussing the importance of law as well as the need to uphold environmental reforms and policies.
“Regulations are only as strong as their enforcement,” says Schroeck.
Bridget Underhill, law student and Law Review Symposium Director, hopes the panels will help educate people on issues of environmental justice so that they can start successfully advocating in their own communities. Underhill says 48217 is Michigan’s most polluted zip code, an area that is primarily African American and lower income, and that those residents are plagued with issues directly related to air pollution. She says so many people in the state, including those that live in 48217, are suffering and are unable to move due to financial constrictions.
The Detroit Mercy Law Review Symposium: Race, Class, and Environmental Justice will take place at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law on Friday March 6, 2020 from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
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