LAUNCHPAD

The Anti-racist Framework for Auditing Policies [Lesson 4.3]

Auditing policies for anti-racism requires a systematic approach that takes into consideration the intent vs. impact of policies. Here is a template and framework that can be used for auditing policies for anti-racism:

  1. Policy/Procedure Name
  2. Policy/Procedure Statement
  3. Policy/Procedure Intent
  4. Policy/Procedure Impact
  5. Areas of Potential Bias
  6. Groups Impacted
  7. Evaluation of Impact
  8. Stakeholder Feedback
  9. Action Plan
  10. Implementation and Monitoring
  11. Continuous Improvement

Below is a brief explanation of each section.

Policy/Procedure Name: The name of the policy or procedure being audited.

Policy/Procedure Statement: The statement that outlines the policy or procedure.

Policy/Procedure Intent: The intended purpose or goal of the policy or procedure.

Policy/Procedure Impact: The actual impact of the policy or procedure on the individuals or groups it affects.

Areas of Potential Bias: The areas within the policy or procedure that may contribute to bias or reinforce racist practices.

Groups Impacted: The groups of people who are affected by the policy or procedure, including those who are historically marginalized or disadvantaged.

Evaluation of Impact: An analysis of the impact of the policy or procedure on different groups of people, including any patterns of discrimination, inequities, or disparities.

Stakeholder Feedback: Feedback from stakeholders, including students, families, staff members, and community members, on the policy or procedure and their experiences with it.

Action Plan: A plan to address areas of bias and reinforce anti-racist practices within the policy or procedure, including potential revisions, training, or new programs and initiatives.

Implementation and Monitoring: The implementation of the action plan and ongoing monitoring of its effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement: Regular assessment and improvement of the policy or procedure to ensure that it continues to be anti-racist and meets the needs of all stakeholders.

By using this template and framework, policies and procedures can be audited to ensure that they are anti-racist and promote equity and inclusion for all. The intent vs. impact analysis is particularly important as it ensures that policies and procedures are not only well-intentioned, but also have positive outcomes for all stakeholders.