Systemic oppression refers to a combination of prejudice and institutional power that creates a system that regularly and severely discriminates against some groups and benefits other groups. It is a mistreatment of a cultural group that is enforced and supported by society and its institutions. Systemic oppression exists at the level of institutions (harmful policies and practices) and across structures (education, health, transportation, economy, etc) that are interconnected and reinforcing over time. It is systematic and has historical antecedents; it is the intentional disadvantaging of groups of people based on their identity while advantaging members of the dominant group (gender, race, class, etc) . Systemic oppression can take many forms, including systemic racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, ageism, and anti-Semitism. It leads to disparities in wealth, the criminal justice system, employment, housing, healthcare, politics, and education. Oppression causes deep suffering, and its effects on people have a long, profound history. However, it is important to acknowledge and address the role systemic oppression plays in such disparities to work towards dismantling it.