The Challenging Racism Project (CRP) is a highly successful research collective that is committed to principles of social justice and quality empirical research. It has global esteem for its research impact in countering discrimination (mainly racism amongst others) and improving community relations. Located in Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia, the CRP is ideally situated to provide topical, timely and engaged research on issues concerning cultural, religious and ethnic diversity.
Established in 2002, the CRP supports a new generation of anti-racism researchers and practitioners, and partners with government, non-government and community organisations that have a shared outlook on intergroup relations and anti-racism initiatives. We have received over $2 million in prestigious Australian Research Council grants and other nationally competitive grants/projects.
Our research empowers communities to build resilience and deploy strategies to challenge racism, provide analysis and commentary on issues of national and international importance, and is used to inform, educate and train individuals as well as local and global communities on positive interventions for culturally diverse societies.
The CRP also makes significant contributions to policies related to racism, multiculturalism and cultural diversity. We have made submissions to a number of Government Inquiries, including the Inquiry into Freedom of Speech, the Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism and the Inquiry into Strengthening Australian Citizenship. We work closely with government departments to ensure policy is backed up by rigorous academic research. Recent engagements include working with the Department of Education and the Attorney General's Department, Department of Premier and Cabinet Victoria, Department of Communities and Justice NSW, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).