Artificial Intelligence and a Just Society

This morning Will Campbell and the The Columbian hosted their annual Economic Forecast Breakfast which included putting a toe in the water on the topic of Artificial Intelligence led by keynote David Adkins . David spoke to AI’s nascent benefits, risks/challenges, and future uncertainties. One of the applications he described was that of using AI as an advisor to improve productivity.

The event also included the traditional economic status, forecast, and musings of Scott Bailey . Scott’s topline “things are going the right direction in Clark County” graphs were tempered with sobering graphs showing how stubborn racial disparities continue to be in so many areas.

A wise community leader who I had the chance to work closely with for a number of years before their passing used to always say “It’s all about policy.” So, taking David Adkins' lead, and following Scott’s data, I submit the following to local, state, and national policy makers, voters, and concerned citizens who understand that the entire community is at risk when any of us are at risk. It sure looks to me like we’re forgetting the lessons of just 3 years ago. Let’s do this, folks!

“Question: What policies have been proven to eliminate racial disparities?

ChatGPT Response:

Eliminating racial disparities is a complex and ongoing challenge that requires a multifaceted approach involving various policies across different sectors. While there is no single policy that can entirely eliminate racial disparities, several strategies have shown promise in addressing and reducing these disparities:

1. Education Policies: Equal Access to Quality Education: Policies ensuring equitable access to education, including funding distribution, school resources, and quality teachers, can help close the achievement gap between racial groups. Affirmative Action: Affirmative action programs aim to increase representation of historically marginalized groups in education and employment, thereby reducing disparities in opportunities.
2. Healthcare Policies: Healthcare Access: Policies expanding access to affordable healthcare, such as Medicaid expansion or subsidized health insurance programs, can help address disparities in healthcare outcomes. Culturally Competent Care: Programs that promote culturally competent care and address implicit bias among healthcare providers can improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
3. Criminal Justice Reform: Ending Racial Profiling: Policies that prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement agencies can reduce disparities in policing and criminal justice outcomes. Sentencing Reform: Reforms to sentencing laws, such as reducing mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses, can mitigate disparities in incarceration rates between racial groups. Community Policing: Implementing community policing strategies that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and communities of color can help reduce crime and improve public safety outcomes.
4. Housing Policies: Fair Housing Laws: Strengthening and enforcing fair housing laws to prevent discrimination in housing access and lending practices can help address residential segregation and housing disparities. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Policies that promote affordable housing development and provide housing assistance to low-income individuals and families can help reduce disparities in housing stability and quality.
5. Economic Policies: Job Training and Employment Programs: Investing in job training programs and workforce development initiatives targeted at communities of color can improve economic opportunities and reduce unemployment and income disparities. Minimum Wage Increases: Increasing the minimum wage and ensuring fair wages for all workers can help reduce income inequality and poverty rates, which disproportionately affect communities of color.
6. Political Representation: Voting Rights Protections: Protecting and expanding voting rights through measures such as automatic voter registration and restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals can empower marginalized communities and increase their political representation. Diverse Representation: Promoting diversity in political leadership and decision-making bodies can ensure that the needs and interests of all communities are represented in policymaking processes.

These policies, among others, can play a significant role in addressing racial disparities, but sustained efforts and systemic changes are necessary to achieve meaningful and lasting progress. Additionally, it's crucial to continuously evaluate and adapt these policies based on their effectiveness and evolving societal needs.”