UR's inaugural Arc of Racial Justice Institute seeks to reimagine equity-based education

May 8, 2018

This week, 16 faculty members across 13 disciplines at the University of Richmond will focus on issues of race and racial justice in the City of Richmond.

The first Arc of Racial Justice Institute, a five-day faculty workshop, revolves around four walking tours of historical Richmond landmarks. Faculty will consider questions around what it means to teach in the city of Richmond and how its history can be incorporated into UR courses.

“The University of Richmond attracts students, faculty and staff from around the world,” said Patrice Rankine, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and coordinator of the Institute. “Because of our location, our history and our remarkable scholars, UR is uniquely positioned to lead in the reimagination of what equity in the classroom looks like to ensure every perspective has a voice.”

The tour schedule includes:

Shockoe Bottom
May 7, 10:45 a.m.
Tour Topic: Preserving and Memorializing Shockoe Bottom: Remembering Richmond’s Enslavement History

East End Cemetery
May 8, 10:30 a.m.
Tour Topic: Hidden Histories

Jackson Ward
May 9, 1 p.m.
Tour Topic: Connecting UR’s past, present and future to Richmond/RVA

Monument Avenue
May 11, 10 a.m.
Tour Topic: Remembering and Forgetting in Public Culture

Following the institute’s conclusion, participating faculty will create either a course, scholarly article or book chapter that focuses on the issue of race and racial injustice.

“Participating in the Arc of Racial justice will inform my teaching and research on modern slavery,” said Monti Datta, associate professor of political science. “I want to draw from the wisdom that is generated from these community dialogues on the legacy of enslavement and racial injustice to engender a more inclusive, equitable community within Greater Richmond.” 

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