Research & Engagement

At the Center for Racial Justice, we organize and sponsor opportunities to advance antiracism and racial justice through research, policy work, and community engagement within the Ford School and the broader U-M community.

Students find inspiration from racial justice changemakers

We examine how public policies have either hindered or promoted racial equity, highlighting evidence-based solutions and supporting the changemakers who advocate for fair, just, and effective policies every day. We invite you to explore our current opportunities and connect with us to learn more.

My vision for the Center for Racial Justice is to expand the body of scholarship exploring the historical, current, and potential relationship between public policy and racial equity. We seek to approach this work with an eye towards evidence-based solutions. Equally important, we seek to cultivate and support early-career scholars that share a desire to advance this area of research.

Mara Ostfeld

Research director, Center for Racial Justice

Winter 2025

CRJ Reading Circles

Reading circles are interdisciplinary gatherings, comprised of three 2-hour meetings, in which a small group of graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and research staff collectively explore a topic relevant to the study of race, (anti)racism, and racial justice. In reviewing applications, we aim to curate reading circles with diverse disciplinary perspectives and research interests. Applications are closed for 2025.