How was the issue of racial segregation addressed within the Progressive movement?

The issue of racial segregation during the Progressive movement was predominantly ignored by many of the era's major reformers, especially those who were focused on broader social reforms such as women's suffrage, labor rights, and other social justice issues. Although there were some reformers who recognized the injustices faced by African Americans, the mainstream Progressive movement often prioritized issues that were more broadly appealing to white, middle-class Americans. This lack of attention to racial issues illustrates the limitations of the Progressive movement, as many reformers were unwilling to challenge the systemic racism that was pervasive in American society at the time.

While some organizations and individuals, such as the NAACP founded in 1909, actively worked against racial segregation and discrimination, these efforts were not representative of the mainstream Progressive agenda. Thus, option A captures the essence of the Progressive movement's relationship with racial segregation, noting that it was largely sidelined by those advocating for reform.