An institute of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Policy Briefs

We focus on contemporary public policy issues, such as confederate monuments in public spaces, the opioid crisis, infant mortality, residential segregation, etc. This page provides policy briefs that inform policymakers of the marginalized voices within our society and aim to improve conditions for marginalized/underserved communities.

March 2024

Filling the Gap: Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Black and Hispanic Entrepreneurs

This white paper examines current research, identifies best practices within the United States, and formulates recommendations to further equity in access, process, quality, and outcomes to inform thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, community influencers, and entrepreneurs on how to translate research into actions that benefit Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs within the entrepreneurial ecosystem from the greater Richmond community.

August 2023

2023 Create, Grow, Scale Entrepreneurship Convening: Summary Report

In partnership with Capital One Insights Center, the Research Institute for Social Equity (the Institute) hosted a convening to discuss the ecosystem around Black and Hispanic businesses in Richmond, Virginia. This full-day experience brought together thought leaders, policymakers, practitioners, community influencers, and entrepreneurs from the greater Richmond community to strategize how to translate research into action toward economic outcomes that benefit Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. This summary paper offers an overview of the sessions and outcomes of this convening.

April 2022

Ensuring Language Access Equity in Virginia Government Services

This research report addresses the growing language needs of multilingual communities and people with LEP within the scope of the Appropriations Act, and the language equity and access for individuals with disabilities living in the Commonwealth of Virginia given the need for accessibility for people with disabilities (PWD) and the charge given within Executive Order 47. This report also assesses how the needs of people with LEP and PWD are currently being met and provides recommendations to implement a state government language access policy that ensures equitable access to state services for people with limited language proficiency, including multilingual speakers, people with disabilities, and those with low literacy levels.

January 2022

COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Report

This policy brief addresses the growing language needs of multilingual communities and people with Limited English proficiency (LEP) within the scope of the Appropriations Act, and the language equity and access for individuals with disabilities living in the Commonwealth of Virginia given the need for accessibility for people with disabilities (PWD) and the charge given within Executive Order 47.

Wilder School Faculty Research

Our faculty conduct and communicate groundbreaking research that focuses on social equity issues and aims to inform public policy and practice. This page highlights some of the research work of our faculty.

Editors: Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese, Susan T. Gooden

Racial Equity, COVID-19, and Public Policy: The Triple Pandemic 

Publication Type

Book

Date

February 2023

Keywords

Racial Justice, Health Policy, Economic Policy

Author: Brittany Keegan

Community-Engaged Philanthropy: The Role of the Fundraiser in Building Equitable Communities 

Publication Type

Special Issue Article

Date

December 2021

Keywords

Social Equity, Community, Intersectionality

Authors: Christina Mancini, Robyn McDougle, & Brittany Keegan

A First Step, a Second Chance: Public Support for Restoring Rights of Individuals with Prior Convictions

Publication Type

Research Article

Date

November 2021

Keywords

Social Equity, Reentry, Public Perception

Authors: Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn, Shabana K. Shaheen, Elizabeth P. Marlowe, & Kiara S. Faulks

Minority Political Leadership Institute: A Model for Developing Racial Equity Leadership

Publication Type

Research Article

Date

October 2021

Keywords

Racial Equity, Leadership Development, Critical Race Theory

Authors: Shelly Smith & Sarah Raskin

Achieving Health Equity: Examining Telehealth in Response to a Pandemic

Publication Type

Text Article

Date

February 2021

Keywords

Health Policy, Advance Practice Nursing, Telehealth

Authors: Benjamin F. Teresa &  Kathryn L. Howell

Eviction and Segmented Housing Markets in Richmond, Virginia

Publication Type

Research Article

Date

December 2020

Keywords

Social Equity, Housing Policy, Eviction

Author: Patrick G. Lowery

The Impact of Race, Sex, and Structured Activities on the Intake and Adjudication Processes of Status Offenders

Publication Type

Research Article

Date

August 2020

Keywords

Social Equity, Juvenile Justice, Intersectionality

Author: Susan T. Gooden

Race and Social Equity: A Nervous Area in Government

Publication Type

Book

Date

May 2014

Keywords

Race Equity, Social Equity, Government Policy

Research & Analysis

Collaborative Engagement

Learning & Development

Tools & Resources

RISE Hero Image Example

Policy Solutions

Get Involved