Advancing racial equity through research, action, and measurable change
About the IARA Project
As institutions make commitments to racial equity, there’s a growing need for effective and implementable policies and practices. Research plays a crucial role in identifying field-tested solutions.
The Institutional Antiracism and Accountability (IARA) Project researches what works — and doesn’t work — to create antiracist change.
Our mission is to promote antiracism as a core value and institutional norm across sectors. We achieve this by addressing intellectual and practical questions related to antiracism policy, practice, and institutional change. We connect with a community of organizational leaders and advocates putting this research into practice.
Leadership & affiliation
Founded and led by Professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad, the IARA Project is based at the Princeton School for Public and International Affairs.
Originally established at the Harvard Kennedy School, the IARA Project continues to collaborate with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Two of its initiatives—the Global Processes of Justice, Truth–Telling and Healing Project and the Truth, Reconciliation, Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Archival Research Project—continue to operate from the Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School.
Current Research
Our research is cross-sector and independent. We critically evaluate policies and practices for antiracist change so that practitioners can implement effective, lasting solutions. We aim to answer: Which structures and strategies are proven to achieve more equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities? Which are ineffective or even harmful?
This research focuses on the organizational practices and policy changes that effectively create institutional and community health equity.
This project aims to inspire parents, teachers, and school leaders to disrupt racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other harmful biases in early childhood education and curricula.
Global Processes of Justice, Truth-telling, and Healing
This three-year project surveys international examples of truth-telling and societal repair, learning directly from those involved in truth commissions around the world.
IARA has several research projects in earlier stages of development, focused on the corporate, philanthropic and governmental fields.
Race, Research & Policy Portal (RRAPP)
RRAPP is a free, online collection of easy-to-read summaries of the most current and foundational antiracist research. Each summary focuses on solutions at the institutional level, listing clear takeaways in a short format.
Events
Each year, thousands of racial equity advocates, practitioners, and researchers gather at IARA events to connect, learn, and lead. From thought-provoking conversations with leading experts to our flagship annual conference for field practitioners, these gatherings offer vital spaces for collaboration, insight, and strategic action.
Truth and Transformation Conference
This free, annual conference brings together scholars, organizers, DEI professionals, and organizational leaders. Each year, we exchange practical strategies for institutional antiracist change and accountability. Participants walk away with new ideas to apply to their racial equity work.
Collaborative Conversations
The IARA Project collaborates with community-based initiatives, organizations, and institutions to create meaningful events. If you’d like to work together on an event, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Community
We understand that academic research — by itself — does not guarantee change happens.
The IARA Project facilitates an exchange of ideas and resources among academics, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates in real-time. Our materials and events are free, understandable, and easily accessed online.
Our community represents an even four-way split across the government/public, non-profit, higher education, and private sectors.
Our community by role
Our community by sector
Funding
The IARA Project has received support from the the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Foundation, as well as donations from a variety of individual supporters.
In general, grants fund individual initiatives within our focus areas. This has included the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (supporting the 2023 Healthcare Report), and the Kellogg Foundation (supporting the report on Global Processes of Justice, Truth-telling, and Healing).
