Anti Racism Resources

Antiracism Principles

Definition of Antiracism - is the active, everyday work to identify and oppose racism. The goal is to change policies, behaviors, and beliefs that keep racial identity as the key determinant in how an individual fares in life.  

1. Pursue Knowledge: As a leading Jesuit Liberal Arts college, with a predominantly white campus, Holy Cross must understand our past and current role, intentional or not, in perpetuating and maintaining racial inequity. 
2. Prioritize: You must prioritize anti-racism in the same way you prioritize other mission-critical work here at Holy Cross. Anti-racism is not an add-on to existing projects or performative – it is a critical part of the work and it is important to factor in anti-racism work when allocating resources and setting timelines. Antiracism work is a lifelong commitment and one that requires continuous attention.
3. Evaluate: Racism at an individual level can range from overt hate crimes to less visible microaggressions. At a structural level, racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through institutional policies and practices, and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices. Only outcomes, not intent, demonstrate whether actions and policies are racist. It is critical that you take the time to evaluate current policies and practices at Holy Cross to determine if they can be held up to antiracist practices. It is essential that you voice disagreement and advocate against policies and practices that don't promote this work.
4. Allyship: To be an ally is to take on this struggle as if it is your own. It means that you do what is uncomfortable. You are committed to taking a risk, sharing any privilege you have to center marginalized people and/or their communities. When you see something, you say something. You fight to dismantle injustices. It is also important to understand that an 'ally' is not a title you can give yourself, rather it must be determined by your actions.
5. Equality to Equity: Equality means every individual or group is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognized that each individual or group has different circumstances and that resources should be given based on individual need to reach an equal outcome. Antiracist know that equity is needed and understand that corrective action is needed to create equity in outcomes specifically for communities that have been underrepresented and underserved.

^{Sources:
https://theantiracisttable.com/
https://www.bu.edu/csc/edref-2/antiracism/
https://www.diversity.pitt.edu/education/advancing-institutional-antiracism/antiracism-principles}