AALS Open Source Program

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Session Type: AALS Open Source Programs

Session Capacity: N/A

Location: Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel

Room: Delaware B

Floor: Lobby Level

The United States today is far from the post-racial world that was thought theoretically possible with the election of Barack Obama in 2008. This panel is designed to continue a dialogue exploring the system of privilege enmeshed in the economy of the United States that creates obstacles and challenges for ethnic and racial minorities. Panelists will consider the ways in which tax laws that appear neutral are not in fact neutral in impact—often serving to exacerbate preexisting inequalities. Panelists step beyond traditional legal analysis to challenge conventional wisdom, exploring the way in which the Internal Revenue Code subordinates some while privileging others and illustrating how tax subsidies cut sharply along racial lines. Proposed tax policy reforms will also be discussed.