Editing State sponsored segregation (section)

===== Definition ===== 

State-sponsored segregation refers to a policy or practice in which the government supports and enforces the separation of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or social class.

One notable historical example of state-sponsored segregation is the system of racial segregation in the United States known as Jim Crow. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Southern states implemented laws and policies that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. These laws mandated separate facilities and services for white and non-white individuals, including separate schools, transportation, restrooms, restaurants, and even park benches.

Another example is apartheid in South Africa, which was a policy of systematic segregation and discrimination based on race. Apartheid laws, enacted by the National Party government in 1948, enforced strict racial classifications and separate living areas for different racial groups. These laws stripped individuals of their rights based on their race and resulted in significant social and economic inequalities.

State-sponsored segregation not only perpetuates discrimination and inequality but also undermines social harmony and unity. Governments have come under criticism for such policies as they violate basic principles of equality and human rights. In response to these injustices, individuals and groups have often mobilized and advocated for civil rights and equal treatment under the law. Successful movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., have challenged and dismantled state-sponsored segregation, leading to significant social and legal changes.