The Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, established in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in 2020, is currently undergoing staff layoffs, with reports suggesting that up to 15 to 20 employees may be affected, as reported by Semafor, a news website.
The center, led by renowned antiracism activist and scholar Ibrahim X. Kendi, author of the bestselling book “How to Be an Antiracist,” published in 2019, is said to be transitioning to a fellowship-oriented model.
Research center shifts to fellowship model
Colin Riley, a spokesperson for Boston University, confirmed the staff reductions and stated that more details about the center’s new direction would be revealed.
Kendi will remain in his current role, and the university has expressed its commitment to assisting affected employees in their job searches.
The Center for Antiracist Research’s core mission is to bring together diverse researchers and practitioners to facilitate comprehensive racial data collection, research-based policy innovation, narrative change initiatives with a solutions-focused approach, and practical advocacy campaigns.
These initiatives are aimed at driving tangible antiracist change and impact in the real world, as outlined on the center’s website. In July, the center’s website listed 45 employees, but recent reports indicate that these staff pages are no longer active.
