Advancing Racially Equitable Policymaking

Will apply critical lens to state policymaking around youth outcomes 

Dr. Courtnee Melton-Fant, assistant professor in the Division of Health Systems Management and Policy in the University of Memphis School of Public Health, was recently awarded an Officers’ Research Grant from the William T. Grant Foundation.

The 18-month award titled, “Applying a critical lens to the use of research evidence in state policymaking,” will examine how race influences the way in which research evidence is used around two policies important for youth outcomes - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and K-12 Education Savings Accounts. Specifically, the critical lens through which the investigation will be carried out will center on two major research questions:

1. How is research evidence used, framed, and operationalized in explicitly vs. implicitly racialized policy deliberations?
2. How do Black legislators use, operationalize, and frame research evidence compared to their white peers?

Research evidence is a commonly employed source of leverage for state legislators, especially for those with less power and prestige. As a result, black legislators who are racial minorities and members of the minority party in legislatures may employ research evidence differently in policymaking. This research is key as black legislators are more likely to reflect the needs and policy preferences of their racial minority constituents. Melton-Fant’s research will analyze policy deliberations using observation and discourse analysis. Findings from this project will create a foundation for interventions that bolster the use of research evidence to advance racially equitable policies.

About the William T. Grant Foundation (from the WTG Foundation website)

The William T. Grant Foundation invests in high-quality research focused on reducing inequality in youth outcomes and improving the use of research evidence in decisions that affect young people in the United States. Since its inception, the William T. Grant Foundation has been interested in facilitating a better understanding of how children and youth develop and thrive. Although our mission remains the same, our research interests shift to keep pace with the changing world. Currently, we are interested in research with the potential to improve the lives of young people between the ages of 5 and 25 in the following areas:

• Reducing Inequality
• Improving the Use of Research Evidence
• Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice

“Some method should be found by which scientific knowledge gained in various fields can be translated into the enrichment of a normal, healthy family life.” – William T. Grant

If you have questions or further interest in this research, contact Melton-Fant at cemelton@memphis.edu.