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A new study revealed that racial discrimination plays a major role when it comes to which passengers Uber drivers decide to pick up. The study, which was conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, shows that Black riders are more likely to receive cancellations or have a longer wait times compared to White riders. UberX drivers are more than twice as likely to cancel trips with passengers who have so-called “Black-sounding” names. The study also revealed that African-American customers often wait 35 percent longer for rides. “We find significant evidence of racial discrimination in both experiments,” read the report. “Ridesharing apps are changing a transportation status quo that has been unequal for generations, making it easier and more affordable for people to get around—no matter who they are or where they live,” said Rachel Holt, head of Uber’s North American operations. “We believe Uber is helping reduce transportation inequities across the board, but studies like this one are helpful in thinking about how we can do even more.” Read more.


Philadelphia Transit Workers Go On Strike

Scores of Philadelphia transit workers went on strike Tuesday morning after their union and the city failed to reach contract agreements. The union, which represents nearly 4,700 workers, went on strike at 12:01 a.m. As a result, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority subways, trolleys, and trains are out of service. “Despite months of constructive and innovative proposals from our side of the table, management has refused to budge on key issues including safety issues that would save lives and not cost SEPTA a dime,” said Transport Workers Union President Willie Brown. “There is no new agreement, so we are on strike.” Brown said they aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on issues related to healthcare, pensions, and work schedules. Although commuters are scrambling to find other ways to travel, SEPTA ensured that the strike won’t prevent them from casting their votes on November 8. “If we foresee an agreement will not come to pass, SEPTA intends to seek to enjoin the strike for November 8th to ensure that the strike does not prevent any voters from getting to the polls and exercising their right to vote,”  SEPTA wrote in a statement. Read more.


Black Students Are Less Likely to Face Suspension When They Have Black Educators

A new research study revealed that African-American students are less likely to be sent to detention or face suspensions or expulsions if they have Black teachers. The data, compiled by American University and University of California researchers, examined the disciplinary procedures for elementary school students in North Carolina between 2008 and 2013. The statistics matched students’ disciplinary history to the race of their teachers. The study showed that 16 percent of African-American boys faced detention, expulsion or suspension when they had a White teacher, which dropped to 14 percent when the educator was Black. “It could be something that Black teachers do that’s just different when it comes to classroom control,” said Constance Lindsay, co-author of the report. “Maybe in different contexts, behavior is treated differently. Maybe Black students act differently with Black teachers. And it could be implicit bias White teachers have.” Read more.


John Legend and Tika Sumpter to Executive Produce ‘Black Wall Street’ Series

Singer John Legend is teaming up with actress Tika Sumpter to executive produce a new series titled Black Wall Street. The series, which is being created under Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co., will be centered on the Black middle class in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Tulsa race riot that erupted in 1921. Black Wall Street will be a collaboration with WGN. Get Lifted Film Co. has already worked with the network on the hit series Underground. “We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” said Get Lifted’s Mike Jackson. “Our experience working with them on Underground has been fantastic. Additionally, we’re looking forward to working with our friend Tika Sumpter to help tell this incredible story that many people know nothing about.” Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

SEE ALSO:

Maryland Uber Driver Accused Of Kidnapping, Assaulting Blacked Out Passenger

Survey: Black & Hispanic Parents See Discrimination In The Education System

NEWS ROUNDUP: Racial Bias Found In Uber Pickups; Philadelphia Transit Workers Strike…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com