The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Racial Equity Task Force has presented a 65-page report to the school system’s Board of Governors in an effort to combat racial discrimination and inequality throughout the institution.
Containing six comprehensive recommendations and 28 specific action points, this extensive plan is the culmination of a six-month effort to understand and improve the university’s standing with race and inclusion.
“Today is a step forward in our commitment to supporting racial equity across our System and an opportunity to ensure everyone has the resources they need to be successful at our institutions,” said Task Force Chair Reginald Ronald Holley.
Task Force Recommendations
To cultivate a more receptive environment at UNC, substantial improvements in the system’s recruitment, retention, and promotion practices are needed to create a racially diverse community — from students to the workforce.
Proposals include increasing financial aid, adding more college counseling services, and recruiting more people of color into teacher programs.
The report also states that the university system needs to ensure students, faculty, and staff receive proper education regarding racial and cultural issues while learning how to better recognize bias. Additionally, school officials at each campus are called on to improve the collection of race and equity data for monitoring purposes.
Other recommendations urge the UNC system to develop programs that support racial equality and for university police to undergo improved training and to more often resolve conflicts through counseling or the student conduct process rather than prosecution.
“We live in one of the most diverse states in the country, and our university must offer a welcoming and supporting environment for students, staff and faculty of all backgrounds,” UNC System President Peter Hans said. “There are people in every part of the state concerned about fairness (and) justice, and our success will go a long way in determining theirs.”