Advisory Board to the President’s Initiative on Race

In 1997, President Bill Clinton launched a national initiative on race that was supervised by a multiracial advisory panel. This panel researched racial issues, facilitated a national dialogue on race, and proposed solutions to racial problems. The following viewpoint is excerpted from the advisory board’s report to the president, in which the values of cultural and racial diversity are lauded. The board offers several suggestions for improving race relations, such as the recommendation to teach a history that includes minority perspectives and ideas on what individuals can do to help overcome racial prejudice and discrimination.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the advisory board, what presents a significant barrier to improving race relations?
2. In the opinion of Judith Winston, the director...