As racial tensions following the deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of police roil the nation, a solid majority of Americans believe that discrimination against African Americans is a serious problem, a new poll said Wednesday.
The Quinnipiac University survey showed that 68 percent of Americans believe discrimination to be a major issue, while 27 percent do not.
Democrats and independents were far more likely than Republicans to agree, with 96 percent of Democrats and 69 percent of independents agreeing that it is a serious problem while 34 percent of Republicans think it is.
Broken down by race, 95 percent of black voters, 76 percent of Hispanic voters and 62 percent of white voters say discrimination against black people is a serious problem.
Numbers are similar when it comes to the protests held around the country responding to George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police, with voters supporting the protests by 67 percent to 28 percent.
“Two sharply contrasting views of America jump off the pages of this survey. To Democrats and independents, the African American population is under siege. From Republicans, a far different view of what is unfolding on our streets,” said Quinnipiac Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.
More than half of voters, 57 percent, have a favorable opinion of the Black Lives Matter movement, while 30 percent have an unfavorable one.
Voters also support by 52 percent to 44 percent removing Confederate statues from public spaces around the country — a 19-point swing in the level of support since an August 2017 poll showed that 39 percent supported the removal of Confederate statues and 50 percent opposed.
“Historic figures in granite and iron that seemed protected just a few years ago now face the wrecking ball of public opinion,” added Malloy.
As for renaming military bases that honor Confederate generals, voters were split with 47 percent both for and against.