Final answer:
A RAC audit was created to identify and address racial discrimination in housing opportunities in the United States. These audits involve sending auditors of different races to housing agents to assess if there is any differential treatment based on race in the offers of housing units.
Step-by-step explanation:
A RAC audit was created to identify and address racial discrimination in housing opportunities in the United States. These audits were developed by housing organizations after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which aimed to combat discriminatory practices. The audits involve sending auditors of different races to housing agents to assess if there is any differential treatment based on race in the offers of housing units.
For example, in a typical audit, one white and one Black auditor would visit a housing agent to inquire about advertised housing units. If the Black auditor receives different offers or is told about fewer available housing units compared to the white auditor, it indicates racial discrimination.
The creation of RAC audits has helped measure and combat discrimination in housing, by providing evidence of differential treatment based on race in the housing market.