PSRC is hosting a hybrid joint board session focused on institutional and structural racism in the Puget Sound region on Wednesday, November 30 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
The joint board session will explore institutional and structural racism, including what these terms mean and how these forms of racism have created long-lasting racial disparities in the Puget Sound region. The session will also include small group discussions where board members will explore strategies to reduce racial disparities moving forward.
Charles Patton, Ph.D., PSRC’s Program Manager for Equity Policy and Initiatives, will bring his wealth of experience to lead an interactive presentation to develop a shared understanding of institutional and structural racism in the Puget Sound region. Dr. Patton received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University where he completed his dissertation on structural racism. He also served as a Research Associate for six years at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Creating a better understanding of this history helps PSRC develop more effective strategies that address the root causes of current inequities, which will help create a more equitable future for all residents of the Puget Sound region.
All PSRC board members are highly encouraged to attend this session to become better equipped to effectively work with staff and each other as we weave equity into our work and build on the workshops held in July 2021 and June 2022.