South Carolina State University, the historically Black educational institution in Orangeburg, has announced the creation of a Center of Excellence tasked with advancing social justice. The Erasing Racism and Constructing Equity Center for Excellence and Justice, or E-RACE, is a collaboration of faculty, staff, and prominent experts on racism, social justice, and equity.
E-RACE will distinguish itself from other centers by engaging in collaborative endeavors with other minority-serving institutions, as well as outreach and collaboration with predominantly White institutions. The center will address all aspects of racism — both systemic and individual — through research, teaching, training, public dialogue, advocacy, and service. The center aims to educate people in the university community, in South Carolina, and across the nation on how to advocate for and advance social justice to preserve liberty for all people.
James E. Clark, president of South Carolina State University, said that “given this university’s legacy and roots in the fight for justice, we are well-positioned to take on a prominent role in the continued fight for equity and justice.”