AAS 251—Law, Race and Historical Process, II
Ronald C Woods, J.D. Professor
FINAL EXAMINATION—WINTER, 2022
“THE LAW AND HISTORY BACKDROP TO THE
CURRENT DEBATE OVER REPARATIONS”
Motivated by the persistence of racial divides in the United States, a collective of public
and private partnerships has convened a Blue-Ribbon Comprehensive Reparations
Study Commission (CRSC.) Encouraging their resolve in this regard is the April 2022
issuance of the National Urban League’s State of Black America Report that statistically
confirms these disparities in all QOLI’s.
The mission of the CRSC is to explore the breadth of the lingering problem of racial
disparities despite the enormous gain that have been made since the nation has been
tackling these issues.
The Comprehensive Reparations Study Commission (CRSC) had concluded that
reparations are in fact warranted. It did not specify the precise meaning of reparations
nor the amount, scope, nature of the remedy, and the class of recipients. However, the
CRSC has ruled out individual payments or disbursements to descendants of slavery
and segregation and has chosen instead to focus upon more broadly structured policies
to address the issue.
The Commission has reached out you—the global strategic consulting firm of Alary,
Barnes, Bell, Guy, Hood, Johnson, Whadley, and Whitted—, to answer this one
question.
“What plan for reparations, excluding individual payments, would you
propose to address the issues at the heart of the reparations debate and
the persistent issue of racial disparity in American life and culture?”
Using the 3 core texts of a course taught at the University of Michigan, AAS 251, it asks
that you explore through these texts the historical backdrop to the current dilemma, and
the rational for your recommendations.
Due to the urgency of this issue, the Comprehensive Reparations Study Commission
has set an aggressive deadline of Tuesday, April 26, 2022, for receipt of your 7–8-page
assessment and proposal.
Asante Sana for your service on behalf of the nation and the world.
RCW
