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Media Release
IARA Project Receives Grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Institutional Antiracism and Accountability (IARA) Project, a research project working on long-term solutions to achieving racial equity in organizations at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, has received a $1 million grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Led by Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Professor of History, Race, and Public Policy at the Kennedy School, IARA aims to move organizations from words to action to accountability by evaluating and disseminating the best evidence for achieving racial equity in the structures, policies, and practices of institutions. Deploying a historical lens and a focus on accountability, the IARA project rigorously examines organizations that seek progress on racial equity and antiracism, assesses the effectiveness of their efforts, and uses that analysis to promote best practices in the field.
“This grant will help fund new research into effective interventions for long-term antiracist change in the non-profit, public and private sectors,” says Muhammad, the IARA Project faculty director. “Being included in CZI’s investment in racial equity funding for research and advocacy is critical to our success. These resources allow us to study issues that may be unpopular and disruptive, which is exactly the role philanthropy can play when innovative systemic change is required.”
“Since joining the Ash Center, Professor Muhammad and the IARA team have importantly advanced the Center’s mission to develop ideas and practices that foster an inclusive and equal multi-racial and multi-ethnic democracy by strengthening accountability for inclusion of public and private sector institutions,” said Archon Fung, Ash Center Director. “With CZI’s generous support, we’re excited to support the reach and impact of IARA’s critically important work here at Ash and the wider Harvard community.”
“CZI’s work is grounded in building a future for the next generation – and that includes naming and better addressing how racial injustice perpetuates disparities and inequities across our focus areas,” said Belinda Stubblefield, CZI’s Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “The work of organizations like IARA is critical to that effort.”
The funding, over two years, from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will support the initiative’s research and outreach efforts by connecting the project’s scholarly work to communities of practice.
About IARA
IARA’s research portfolio focuses on sector-specific interests and critical evaluation of antiracist structures and policies within private, nonprofit, public/government, and academic institutions. By documenting and understanding the field of “diversity” and antiracist training groups, as well as organizations that have sought to engage in antiracist change and the standards by which they have been held accountable, IARA seeks to develop critical measures for establishing antiracist institutional accountability.
To learn more about the IARA Project, visit IARA.hks.harvard.edu.
About the Ash Center
The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion. By training the very best leaders, developing powerful new ideas, and disseminating innovative solutions and institutional reforms, the Center’s goal is to meet the profound challenges facing the world’s citizens.
Media contact:
Daniel Harsha
Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
Harvard Kennedy School
daniel_harsha@hks.harvard.edu
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