Addressing Racism in the California State University System: A Conversation with Dr. Frank Harris III

By Connie Tan

This interview with Dr. Frank Harris III is the first in a series of memos presented by the Knowledge Center. In this memo, Dr. Harris encourages institutions to take an equity-minded, student-centered approach. He suggests that middle leaders on campus (i.e., faculty, staff and administrators who work with students often without a formal leadership position) need to recognize and take steps to address structural racism and oppression in four key areas: curriculum, hiring practices, budget, and strategic planning. And he highlights the importance of engaging and partnering with students as drivers of change.

The CSU Student Success Network is facilitated by the Education Insights Center (EdInsights) at Sacramento State University. For more information, email studentsuccessnetwork@edinsightscenter.org. or visit the EdInsights and Sacramento State websites.