In classrooms, communities, and the carceral system, the Initiative for Race Research and Justice looks to disrupt educational inequities [Video]

By Jenna Somers

“I believe Vanderbilt University should be at the forefront of helping our nation solve some of the most complex and pressing problems, including those related to race and racism,” said Rich Milner, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education at Peabody College of education and human development.

Milner began his career at Vanderbilt in 2001, becoming the first Black faculty member to earn tenure and promotion at Peabody College before accepting a new position in 2013. When Milner was recruited back to Vanderbilt in 2018, he recognized that the university was home to many faculty, students, and staff deeply engaged in studying race inside and outside the field of education. In hopes of building synergy among this community of researchers and practitioners, Milner founded the Initiative for Race Research and Justice (RRJ) that same year.

As a scholar of urban teacher education who studies social contexts, Milner understands how learning ecosystems, policies, …