A report released on Sept. 6 by the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs finds that Austin citizens view race relations as a serious and continuing problem. The report explores public perceptions of race relations and assesses services provided by the City of Austin.
Most respondents appear to be quite tolerant.
Fifty-five percent of respondents agreed with the statement that the City of Austin provides equal treatment to various ethnic groups, with the notable exception of Blacks, of whom 62 percent disagreed. Minority leaders feel that progressive Whites have abandoned civil rights efforts in favor of environmental protection. Minority leaders argue that current economic development policies neglect the needs of the Black and Hispanic communities. In their opinions, the Black and Hispanic communities are forced to compete with each other for economic development funds. However, more than two-thirds of the respondents believe that the A.P.D. does not treat all ethnic groups equally.