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.