Harvard Works Because We Do Harvard Union of
Clerical and Technical Workers

HUCTW Anti-Racism Group

The HUCTW Anti-Racism Group (ARG) is an internal Union team made up of HUCTW organizers that meets regularly to examine issues related to race, equity, inclusion, and diversity in the Harvard workplace and strives to develop ways that our Union can help to fight racism and discrimination in our community. The ARG stands unequivocally against white supremacy and stands for a diverse and equitable workplace where all Union members feel respected, empowered, and valued.  The ARG and all HUCTW leaders are deeply committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and well-being of all of our members.

ARG Mission

We are dedicated to a thorough and clear-eyed examination of the longstanding systems of white supremacy and differential treatment based on race that pervade our community.

Using quantitative and qualitative data and resources, we strive to understand, name, and redress the harmful effects of institutional racism at Harvard University, both for our membership and for the community at large.

We seek to normalize conversations about race and white supremacy at Harvard and within HUCTW, uplift and give meaningful space to the voices of  Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and use this work to help strengthen our community. In this way we can support and advocate for our HUCTW staff of color and all our members as we work to identify and remove the barriers that have historically existed in the Harvard workplace, which cause inequity and divisiveness. This commitment to build an explicitly anti-racist organization is ongoing and crucial to the development of a healthy and safe work environment for all members across Harvard.

Our Goals

  • Support our members of color and find out what they need.
  • Educate ourselves and support internal anti-racist work.
  • Gather information through organizing, focus groups, surveys, data analysis.
  • Create relationships of trust with people of color: outreach, one-on-one conversations, groups.
  • Focus on inclusion and belonging, ensuring that members know they are valued and respected in our community, and know that their stories and experiences are believed.
  • Work towards our goals, while knowing this is ongoing work that requires persistence and commitment, not a one-time effort.

Our Work to Date

  • Designing and launching anti-racism pilot programs for HUCTW members, including  workshops, focus groups, and thematic book discussions.
  • Researching and facilitating anti-racism trainings and workshops for HUCTW organizing staff.
  • Connecting with Harvard schools and departments and Harvard Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Antiracism (EDIBA) offices and contacts to provide HUCTW representation in university settings.
  • Prioritizing the development of BIPOC Union activists and organizers of color.
  • Statement on the Black Lives Matter movement: https://huctw.org/black-lives-matter
  • Statement on Police Unions: https://huctw.org/statement-on-police-unions
  • Creating a dedicated HUCTW DEI & Anti-Racism Advocate who leads our anti-racism efforts and provides confidential support and problem solving for all members, particularly around issues of race, equity, and inclusion (further details below).

HUCTW DEI & Anti-Racism Advocate

Tasha Williams, HUCTW DEI & Anti-Racism Advocate

  • Responsible for leading HUCTW’s efforts to foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging—one in which union members of any race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, immigration status, and political views can fully participate, thrive, and be supported in both HUCTW and Harvard’s broader mission.
  • Plays a lead role in shaping and implementing effective organizational practices that promote an anti-racist organizational culture, while actively working to identify and dismantle systemic barriers that have historically marginalized members of color in the Harvard workplace.