Redlining, Tree Equity, and Environmental Racism

In this lesson, students learn how redlining connects to tree equity and racial justice.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students learn definitions of redlining and systemic racism and explore the Mapping Inequality tool.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students explore the connection between redlining and tree equity.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students share their new knowledge, discuss possible solutions to environmental inequality, and complete a written reflection.

Positives

• This lesson provides a clear story between redlining in the 1930s and environmental injustice seen today.

• This lesson shows students a tangible effect of systemic racism.

• Students are given voice and choice in this lesson.

• Students are empowered to think about solutions to environmental injustice.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should have some basic understanding that racism exists whether one perpetrates individual racist acts or not.

• Students should have some basic understanding that systems or policies can be racist.

Differentiation

• Extension activities can have students explore other forms of environmental injustice stemming from redlining. Examples include health issues, air pollution, urban heat, industrial pollution, water quality, etc.

• Student groups can pair up to compare and contrast different regions in New Jersey.

• Students can research policies or movements in addressing redlining in New Jersey.

• Students can research the relationship between redlining and voter suppression.

This lesson introduces the concepts of redlining, tree equity, and environmental racism to students. It walks students through the history of these practices and how the effects of these policies are still seen today. The links all provide detailed information about where their data is from and have been reviewed for accuracy. This resource is recommended for teaching.

Note On Standards:

This lesson is aligned to New Jersey standards. Review the aligned standards directly in the lesson plan document and teacher slideshow.