In 1991 an enormous controversy erupted after five Los Angeles police officers were caught on tape beating a motorist named Rodney King.Although there continues to be much controversy over the event,many people see it as a blatant act of discrimination.Under what circumstances would this beating be considered institutional discrimination?
A) It would be seen as institutional discrimination as long as none of the officers involved had a financial motive.
B) Under no circumstances could this be institutional discrimination, as it was carried out by individuals.
C) If the leadership of the Los Angeles Police Department condoned or encouraged this type of behavior on a regular basis, it would be considered institutional discrimination.
D) If it could be shown that at least one of the officers was truly racist, it would be considered institutional discrimination.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Institutional discrimination occurs when discriminatory practices are built into the policies and procedures of an institution, such as a police department. If the leadership of the Los Angeles Police Department condoned or encouraged the behavior of the officers, it would be institutional discrimination. The actions of individual officers can contribute to institutional discrimination, but it requires a larger systemic issue for it to be considered institutional discrimination. The presence or absence of financial motives or individual racism does not determine whether or not it is institutional discrimination.

In 1991 an Enormous Controversy Erupted After Five Los Angeles