/r/conservative does the exact same thing, why the handwringing about that sub in particular?

No they don't. I just tested it and there is no skin color requirement to post in /r/conservative. Why would you try and draw that comparison when it obviously doesn't exist? Can't we just agree it's racist and Reddit allowing that is a bad look, to say the least?

>Reddit is a platform for communities. Some communities, across all spectrums of topics, find reasons to create a somewhat exclusive environment.

I feel it's important to note that a similar restriction focused on any other race, even other minority races, would probably be banned within a week of creation.

there is a disturbing pattern the administrators have of proclaiming their love for freedom of speech in a post, receiving huge backlash, then going on a banhammer rampage. it's happened at least four times /in my memory/, and probably more throughout the site's entire history.

No, they do not. Maybe you just posted something inflammatory?

Because that was the sub where I had that experience? I wouldn't disagree with you in the slightest if you wanted to pick any other sub including conservative and said they were just as shitty or dumb if that's how they work.