Which of the following better defines institutional racism?

Institutional racism refers to the policies and practices within organizations and institutions that create or maintain systemic disadvantages for certain racial groups. It manifests through discriminatory laws, regulations, and practices that are embedded within societal structures, which can disproportionately affect individuals from marginalized communities economically, socially, and politically.

Choosing the option related to race-based discriminatory policies in institutions correctly identifies the root of institutional racism as being ingrained within the framework of an organization or system, rather than being limited to individual beliefs or isolated incidents of prejudice. While personal beliefs or non-verbal cues might contribute to a larger culture of racism, they do not capture the systematic nature of institutional racism, which relies on established policies that perpetuate inequality. Similarly, public demonstrations against discrimination may help highlight issues but do not define the term itself. The focus is on institutional actions and policies that uphold systemic disadvantages based on race.