[245] In 1987, Reagan unsuccessfully nominated Robert Bork to the Supreme Court as a way to achieve his civil rights policy that could not be fulfilled during his presidency; his administration had opposed affirmative action, particularly in education, federal assistance programs, housing and employment,[246] but Reagan reluctantly continued these policies.[247] In housing, Reagan's administration saw considerably fewer fair housing cases filed than the three previous administrations.[248] Reagan's recasting of civil rights through reduced enforcement of civil rights laws has been regarded as the largest since Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency.[249][250]

War on drugs
Main article: War on drugs
Reagan signing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, October
In response to concerns about the increasing crack epidemic, Reagan intensified the war on drugs in 1982.[251] While the American public did not see drugs as an important issue then, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Defense all increased their anti-drug funding immensely.[252] Reagan's administration publicized the campaign to gain support after crack became widespread in 1985.[253] Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and 1988 to specify penalties for drug offenses.[254] Both bills were criticized for promoting racial disparities.