Race and Equity

To sustain the current anti-racism movement, look to the past. Megan Ming Francis, associate professor of political science, is interviewed.

Steve Herbert, professor of law, societies, and justice and of geography, is referenced in this article discussing common myths about policing.

Dean Stacey reflects on the College’s role in addressing systemic racism through the curriculum, research, and other work — and how there's more to be done.

Margaret O'Mara and James Gregory, professors of history, explain how Seattle's CHOP/CHAZ zone isn't indicative of the city's history of racism.

Websites, essays, and suggested films related to racism and racial justice. 

Nancy Bartley, a doctoral student in English, writes that in her decades of journalism she saw police dealing out "street justice" as a common practice against Blacks.

Colleen McElroy, professor emerita of English, shares her perspective as a black woman in Seattle. In 1984, McElroy became the first black woman tenured professor at the UW.

Quin’Nita Cobbins-Modica, who graduated from the UW with a Ph.D. in history, discusses Seattle's history of black female activists.

"Organizations are issuing public statements as anti-racism protests continue...But the words are empty without real change,” writes Alexes Harris, professor of sociology.

Quintard Taylor, history professor, discusses the possible de-gentrification of Seattle.

Michael McCann, professor of political science, puts into context the peace and the violence of protests against police brutality.

Maya Angela Smith, associate professor of French, writes about her experience as a Black mother-to-be.

To provide some insight on the current moment, Department of Political Science faculty have written short reflections on the protests and provided a list of recommended readings. 

The Seattle Times recommends books by Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history for those interested in black history, racism, and social justice in the context of ongoing protests.

Megan Ming Francis, associate professor of political science, weighs in about policies that were intentionally put in place to oppress new citizenship rights of newly freed Black people.