"Unjust legacies of slavery and violence rooted in anti-Black racism have beleaguered this nation for centuries. These legacies appear today in both blatant and subtle ways, and are structural, systemic and persistent....Brown University, with its own well-documented direct ties to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, has sought to address the enduring presence and impact of racism and bias on campus, and to contribute to discourse, policy and outcomes through education, research and service. Through the extensive and deliberate work of so many students, staff, faculty and alumni, Brown remains deeply committed to this work, and to cultivating an environment in which every person is treated with dignity and respect." 

- June 15, 2020 letter from President Christina H. Paxson, Provost Richard M. Locke, Provost, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Barbara Chernow 

 

The following are initiatives to address systemic racism through education, research and engagement that the Office of the Provost is spearheading in partnership with the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, and academic centers, departments and initiatives.  

Speaker Series

Race & in America
A panel discussion series curated by Brown’s Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America in partnership with the Office of the Provost.

Anti-Black racism remains an enduring and foundational feature of American society that requires illumination and informed discussion. This series draws on the expertise of Brown scholars to investigate the origins, history and enduring contemporary effects of racism in America from a range of fields and scholarly perspectives. It seeks to advance knowledge and understanding and promote a more just and inclusive community and world.

Webinar sessions will take place monthly on Wednesdays at 12:00 to 1:30 pm over the course of the 2020-21 Academic Year. 

Visit this page for details on panel session and featured speakers.

Research and Programming

Addressing Systemic Racism Fund: Advancing Knowledge through Research and Programming

With resources provided by the Office of the President, this fund will be used to support research and programming aimed at addressing anti-Black racism on and beyond the Brown campus. Faculty and staff (individuals or groups) are eligible to apply for grants to support research, scholarship and programming (e.g. workshops, symposia, etc.) to advance awareness, deepen understanding and effect policy changes related to anti-Black racism specifically, and structural racism more generally. The fund will be administered by Provost Richard M. Locke and Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity Shontay Delalue.

Visit this page for application criteria and other details. 

Professional Development

Building on efforts over the last two years, the Office of the Provost will continue to partner with the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity to provide professional development opportunities for academic senior deans, department chairs and center and institute directors. The series will launch with a summer workshop scheduled for September 2, 2020.