Public Conversations: Racist Policies in Housing, Child Welfare & Economic Development

​Welcome,

​My name is Thomas Bryer, Professor of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida. Learn more about me here: https://ccie.ucf.edu/profile/thomas-bryer/

​The National Academy of Public Administration has called on governments throughout the United States to eliminate racism in government. Among the challenges they offered to the community is this: "Develop and promote a framework to identify and eliminate policies and practices in existing and pending laws, regulations, and policies that have unjust racial impacts on individuals and families."

​My students and I in the Capstone course of the Master of Public Administration program at UCF are taking up this challenge.

​Normally, I would facilitate discussion of racist policies and institutional racism only in the comfort of my classroom. The times we are in now require a different approach.

​So my students and I invite you to join in a series of public conversations about racist policies. On November 6, we will focus on housing policies and programs. On November 13, we focus on child welfare, and on November 19, we focus on economic development.

​All sessions are open to the public but require registration. All sessions will be recorded. These conversations are open to anyone in Central Florida and beyond who wish to learn, contribute, and engage. I will prepare a report following these conversations and will share publicly. As a class, we are not a government agency, but we encourage you to share your concerns with appropriate government authorities in addition to joining our conversation.

​Our ability to identify racist policies must start with a demonstrated ability to listen to each other. I hope you will join us.

​Sincerely,

​Thomas Bryer, PhD