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Strategic Directions 2014

UALR INSTITUTEONRACEANDETHNICITY

INSPIRE REVEAL EMPOWER

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Michaels letter

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Institute on Race and Ethnicity (IRE) is to seek racial and

ethnic justice in Arkansas by remembering and understanding the past,

informing and engaging the present, and shaping and defining the future.

VISION STATEMENT:

To make Arkansas the best state in the country for promoting and

celebrating racial and ethnic diversity.

Our Vision in Three Words:

INQUIRE REVEAL EMPOWER

Inquire- ask the tough questions which may make some uncomfortable

but are necessary for understanding the root causes of racial inequities.

Reveal - expose the truth and bring attention to the problem of racism

in a historical and contemporary context.

Empower- use solid research and data to inform decision making and

formulate public policy that will achieve more equitable outcomes.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Institute of Race and Ethnicity ascribes to

the following core values to instruct and guide

its work:

We maintain that there is no scientific evidence

proving one particular race of people is either

inferior or superior to another.

We recognize that race at its core is a social

construct and therefore should never be used

alone to define a persons or groups total being

or potential.

Racism stems from ignorance and fear and has

existed since the earliest of civilizations.

Racism narrowly defined is when members of a

dominant group deem themselves superior to

other races and who have the means by whichto exercise oppressive power.

Americas constitutional and governance

ideals were built upon a pluralistic democracy,

guaranteeing its citizens the rights to equal

opportunity and protection under the law.

The enslavement of Africans in America has had

long-lasting negative effects on blacks social,

economic, and political power as an ethnic group.

The Institute rejects the notion that Americahas entered into a post-racial era with the

election of an African American president,

and to the contrary, continues to see racial

oppression as the greatest threat to the nations

health and well-being.

The Institute was created to lead change in

Arkansas by being a catalyst for racial justice

by facilitating dialogue and forging

community partnerships.

Given the countrys legacy of racial

discrimination and the resulting tensions that

still linger between blacks and whites especially

in the South, the Institute gives heightened

attention to race relations between these two

groups, but it is also committed to the growing

Latino population and other communities of

color in Arkansas.

The Institute believes that the courageous

efforts of Daisy Bates, attorney Christopher

Mercer, and the Little Rock Nine to end school

segregation in Arkansas was a defining

moment for the Civil Rights Movement in the

state and the nation.

The University of Arkansas Little Rock is

committed to modeling behaviors andpractices that honor racial diversity and

promote racial equity.

UALR must prepare students to be able to

compete, communicate and think critically

about topics related to ethnicity and race in an

increasingly global and interconnected world.

The Institute believes that evidence-based

research can be a resource for problem solving

related to issues of race and racism.

The Institute accepts that it cannot tackleracism in Arkansas alone, nor do we have all

the answers; thus, we commit to continued

learning about ourselves and our work.

The Institutes work is integral to UALR

accomplishing its goal to be One of the Top

Metropolitan Community-Engaged, Research

Universities among the Southern Regional

Education Board (SREB) by 2020.

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Racism

Racial Equity

Discrimination

Prejudices

Stereotyping

Knowledge

Information

Exposure

Fairness

Equal Access

Equal

Unequal

Treatment

Limited Access

Attitudes

Behaviors

Practices

Values

Beliefs

Assumptions

RACE MODEL

Developed by Michael R. Twyman, Ph.D.(October 2013)

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THEORY OF CHANGE

The Institute on Race and Ethnicity has adopted a psychosocial model to explain its Theory of

Change, with the premise that racism is a socially-constructed disease that begins in the mind, and

yet is treatable and curable. We believe that the antidote must embody both science and education

in order to transform unhealthy thinking and aid in the healing process. This approach assumes

that racism when classified as a social disease has some level of predisposition based on a number

of factors (value formation, parental/family influence, educational experience, home environment,neighborhood, geographic origin, etc.); however, it by no means needs to be terminal.

Although there is disagreement in scholarly circles on a common definition of racism, it usually takes

on three basic forms: individual, systemic, and institutional. Racism in its purest form depends on

the ability to give or withhold social benefits, services, facilities, opportunities, and other resources

from someone who is entitled to them, yet denied on the basis of race, color, or nat ional origin. The

exercise of power can be either legal or illegal, and is not limited to the traditional concepts of power.

The intent, be it conscious or unconscious, is strictly irrelevant; the focus is on the result of the

behavior. (Randall, 2006)

Individual racismconsists of overt and covert acts by individuals that might cause emotional ormental trauma, injury, death, destruction of property or denial of services or opportunities.

Institutional racismis often more subtle and involves policies, practices and procedures of

institutions that have a disproportionately negative effect on racial minorities access to and quality

of goods, services, and opportunities.

Systemic racismis the basis for how individual and institutional racism is played out, for it is the

value system that is embedded in a society that facilitates and supports racial discrimination.

Randall, V., Dying While Black, Dayton, OH: Seven Principles Press, 2006.

The Institute accepts that it must engage at all three levels to forge a social movement in Arkansas toactualize racial justice. The evolutionary five-stage process outlined below encapsulates the Institutes

Theory of Change.

IDENTIFICATION ASSESSMENT TREATMENT EVALUATION SUSTAINMENT

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IDENTIFICATION

Racism is pervasive and often insidious; its existence must be called out for what it is, even when

perpetrated unintentionally.

ASSESSMENT

Because racism is a disease of the mind, it is important to understand how and to what extent it

manifests itself in individuals and institutions.

TREATMENT

Fostering a culture of acceptance, fairness, and equality is the best remedy to erasing racial

stereotypes and assumptions.

EVALUATION

Appropriate measurements must be instituted to determine the effectiveness of interventions

aimed at attacking racist attitudes and behaviors.

SUSTAINMENT

Individuals and institutions must commit to ongoing self-evaluation of their racial prejudices

and racist actions.

Goals, Objectives, and Tactics

GOAL I - To foster sustained awareness of the issues of race and ethnicity.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVEWhile the idea of a post-racial society is bandied about, an increase in racial profiling and growing

disparities in income, health care, and education among blacks and Latinos continue to mount. The

election of President Barack Obama as the first black U. S. president has in many ways intensified

underlying racial tensions. Some public policies and recent court decisions seem to have accepted

the position that racism is no longer an issue or reality in America. Furthermore, because of a

dramatic change in the countrys demographic composition where it is projected by 2042 ethnic

minorities will constitute a numeric majority, issues of race and ethnicity must be at the fore of any

collective progress.

IRE will remain vigilant in its commitment to raise awareness and consciousness about racism in

Arkansas and seek to do so in a variety of creative and innovative ways.

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GENERAL TACTICS

Conferences and symposiums Workshop and seminar presentations Historic celebration events Speaker series Facilitated community discussions

Website publicity Media releases and appearances

GOAL II - To provide research-based information and informed policy recommendations on

issues of race and ethnicity.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

UALR is classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and a community-engaged

university, which uniquely places it in a position to not only conduct and produce high quality

research but also to offer it as a way to change and improve community conditions in Little Rock

and the state of Arkansas. Knowledge is power and it is our hope to unleash it in a responsible andeffective manner that produces solutions. The Institute will continue to tap into the intellectual

capital and resources of the UALR faculty to further its work.

The aim here is to use research information and data to shape and refine policies that address racial

disparities and inequities at the local and state level. The academy must forge partnerships and leverage

resources with government, private sector, nonprofits and local residents to achieve this objective.

Expanding the annual Racial Attitudes Conferences scope and reach will be central to

accomplishing this objective. IRE will be expanding its portfolio in this area for greater impact.

GENERAL TACTICS

Research studies

Journal/newspaper articles

Position papers

Public presentations

Legislative briefings

Special reports

GOAL III - To build bridges and seek reconciliation

through dialogue among people of different racial and

ethnic groups.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The sting of racial segregation, Jim Crow, and years of blatant racial discrimination remain in

the hearts and minds of an entire generation of U.S. residents. And although there has been

considerable progress in the fight against racial oppression, some scars remain tender and slow

to heal. The Institute serves as a neutral convener to help facilitate and encourage meaningful

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and healthy dialogue on and off campus about issues of race and racism. The Chancellors

Committee on Race and Ethnicity is an excellent example of bringing a diverse group together

regularly to discuss a variety of topics dealing with race and ethnicity in a civil and non-judgmental

atmosphere. A similar model is needed with other audiences both within the university and in the

community with external stakeholders.

Central Arkansas will remain the primary focus for this objective, but IRE will have a presence in

other communities in the state as appropriate and as opportunities present themselves.

GENERAL TACTICS

Group discussions Community forums Workshops Lectures Media Appearances (radio, television, and Internet) Formal presentations Special programs

Public events

GOAL IV - To provide formal study opportunities for students to learn about race and ethnicity

through courses, related projects, and independent scholarship.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

UALRs primary constituents are its students. As a metropolitan university in the states capital,

UALR attracts a diverse student population in terms of gender, age, socioeconomic status, race

and national origin. The campus will continue to have a significant number of international

students representing a variety of ethnicities and benefit from having such diversity constitute

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the organizational culture. The Institute feels an obligation to integrate its work with student

opportunities to engage in scholarship, research, and service. The Institute is enriched by these

interactions, while students increase their understanding of race and the role it has and does play

particularly in American life, as well as in the state and local community.

IRE will work to expand opportunities in this area, including exploring the feasibility of establishing an

academic major in Race and Ethnic Studies or African American studies. Additionally, we will intensify

outreach efforts to engage more K-12 students through programming and community initiatives.

GENERAL TACTICS

Curricular/academic program offerings University courses Internships Research projects Service learning opportunities Graduate assistantships Special programs

Formal and informal discussion groups

GOAL V - To serve as an information clearinghouse for campus, community and statewide

initiatives and activities related to race and ethnicity.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The Institute on Race and Ethnicity understands the importance of partnerships and working across

sectors and academic disciplines in order to accomplish community goals. To that end, much of

the Institutes attention goes toward promoting and supporting the good work of others to further

racial and ethnic justice. The Institute relies on its website and the universitys communications

department and staff to assist in this endeavor. It also takes the lead in initiating and creating anumber of programs and activities that it publicizes and makes available for both internal and

external access and participation. Ideally, the Institute will distinguish itself as the go-to source for

information on issues related to race and racism in Arkansas.

Going forward, IRE will capitalize on information

technologies, particularly electronic and social media, to

maximize our effectiveness in this area.

GENERAL TACTICS

Institute website

Publications Resource materials Electronic archives Newsletters Media eleases Newspaper articles

Special reports

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GOAL VI - To hold the University of Arkansas at Little Rock accountable for becoming a diverse,

multi-ethnic community characterized by an absence of institutional racism.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Unfortunately, racial inequities may manifest within institutions of higher education, oftentimes

unintentionally, and UALR is no exception to this potential vulnerability. However, with the current

leadership, deliberate efforts have been made to ensure that UALR reflects ethnic diversity in everyaspect of its composition (student population, faculty, administration, governance, etc.) UALR has

the opportunity to be the change it would like to see in the world. It takes time and patience to

realize such a large vision, but the university has made the first step by declaring it an institutional

priority. The universitys Diversity Council, International Student Services

Program, African American Male and Female Initiatives, and Hispanic/

Latino Initiative are a sampling of UALRs strong commitment to leading

by example.

IRE will continue to be the primary catalyst and advocate for helping to

achieve this goal across the institution. In fact, this objective is critical to

the universitys 20,000 students by 2020 plan.

GENERAL TACTICS

Small and large group discussions Organizational self-assessments Surveys Professional development and training Workshops and presentations Guest lectures Campus-wide events

Special programs

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Our community will be strengthened. It will become

stronger, more robust, more vibrant and dynamic, botheconomically and socially, as cultural and racial diversity

promotes and enhances the exchange of ideas.

Michael R. Twyman, Director

INSPIRE REVEAL EMPOWER

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UNIVERSITYOFARKANSASATLITTLEROCK

2801 SOUTHUNIVERSITYAVENUE

LITTLEROCK, AR 72204-1099

501.569.8932 ualr.edu/race-ethnicity

INSTITUTEONRACEANDETHNICITY

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