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WORK TITLE: Beyond Policing
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WEBSITE: https://www.philipvmcharris.com/
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PERSONAL
Born December 4, 1992, in the Bronx, NY.
EDUCATION:Boston College, B.A., 2014; Yale University, M.A., Ph.D.; attended Princeton University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and educator. Princeton University, NJ, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow; University of Rochester, NY, assistant professor. Cofounder of NYC chapter of BYP100, an African American youth organization.
AWARDS:Fellowships from organizations, including the Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation; included in Root 100 Most Influential African Americans, 2020; 21st Century Dissertation Prize, Yale University, 2023.
WRITINGS
Contributor to publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Essence, Slate, and London Guardian.
SIDELIGHTS
Philip V. McHarris is a writer and educator. Born in the Bronx, NY, he attended Boston College, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology. McHarris went on to obtain both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Yale University. He served as a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University before joining the University of Rochester as an assistant professor. McHarris has received fellowships from organizations, including the Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation. He was included on the 2020 list of Root 100 Most Influential African Americans, and he was awarded Yale Univesity’s 2023 21st Century Dissertation Prize.
In 2024, McHarris released his first book, Beyond Policing. In this volume, he recalls his childhood in the Bronx, where, as a Black kid, he learned that the police were more a source of danger than they were promoters of safety. McHarris shares that he has tried to avoid the police all of his life. He goes on to share information about the history of the police in America, tying it to slave patrols and the repression of other ethnic groups. McHarris discusses the evolution of the police throughout the years, suggesting that Reagan’s war on drugs was a turning point, which led to more aggressive policing. He considers alternatives to policing, citing real experiments in American cities. He argues that abolishing the police and replacing the force with an alternative community safety plan could be a desirable option.
A Kirkus Reviews critic offered a favorable assessment of Beyond Policing, commenting: “The author’s impressive expertise is matched only by his passion for his subject and commitment to radical imagination.” The same critic described the book as “a deeply researched, profoundly optimistic vision for a police-free future.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2024, review of Beyond Policing.
ONLINE
Boston College website, https://www.bc.edu/ (spring, 2024), Audrey Loyack, author interview.
Philip McHarris website, https://www.philipvmcharris.com/ (August 7, 2024).
Princeton University, African American Studies website, https://aas.princeton.edu/ (August 7, 2024), author faculty profile.
University of Rochester, School of Arts & Sciences website, https://sas.rochester.edu/ (August 7, 2024), author faculty profile.
Yale University, Sociology Department website, https://sociology.yale.edu/ (April 28, 2023), author faculty profile; (August 7, 2024), author profile.
Dr. Philip V. McHarris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Black Studies and Frederick Douglas Institute at the University of Rochester. Before arriving at Rochester, McHarris was a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University in the Department of African American Studies and the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. He earned his PhD in Sociology and African American Studies at Yale University.
McHarris’ research focuses on racial inequality, housing, and policing. McHarris is the author of the forthcoming book, Beyond Policing (Legacy Lit | Hachette, July 2024), which traces the historical arc of policing and presents transformative visions for safety and justice. He is also currently at work on Brick Dreams (under advanced contract with Princeton University Press), an ethnography-based manuscript focused on the New York City Housing Authority and the contemporary realities and challenges of public housing in America.
His work has been supported by the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. In addition to his scholarly work, McHarris has written for outlets that include The New York Times, Washington Post, Slate, The Guardian, MTV, and Nickelodeon. His commentary has been featured on HBO, CNN, TIME, and PBS. In 2020, he was honored as one of the Root 100 Most Influential African Americans.
Returning to the Heights
MLK Jr. Scholarship keynote speaker and past winner Philip McHarris ’14 reflects
Audrey Loyack | University Communications | February 2024
Philip McHarris ’14, the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipient, returned to Boston College on February 19 as the keynote speaker for this year’s MLK Scholarship Banquet. A faculty member in the University of Rochester Department of Black Studies and Frederick Douglass Institute, McHarris pursues research on racial inequality, housing, and policing; he is the author of a forthcoming book, Beyond Policing, which explores community safety and building strong, accountable communities beyond the criminal legal system. Prior to the banquet, he shared some thoughts about his BC experience and what winning the scholarship meant to him.
Philip McHarris
Philip McHarris
What interested you in attending BC?
My interest in Boston College was sparked by the promise of a rigorous education and an environment where I felt I could thrive both academically and personally. When I visited BC, it immediately felt like the right place for me—like a community where I could be challenged, grow, and contribute. The programs BC offered, such as the College Transition Program (CTP), indicated a supportive structure that would not only prepare me for the challenges of higher education but also set me on a path to achieve my career aspirations.
You participated in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program as well as the CTP while at BC. From your perspective today, what impact did these programs have on you?
Their impact on me was profound and multifaceted. CTP provided me with a foundational understanding of what academic life at BC would entail, boosting my confidence and helping me forge lasting social connections even before my first semester began. This early introduction to the college environment was invaluable. The McNair Program played a pivotal role in my academic and professional development, offering resources, support for graduate school applications, and a global perspective through study abroad opportunities. These programs were instrumental in my successful transition to a Ph.D. program and have continued to influence my career trajectory.
Who were some of the people who made your years at BC memorable?
My years at BC were enriched by numerous individuals who left a lasting impression on me. Connections with esteemed faculty and staff members such as C. Shawn McGuffey, Kalpana Seshadri, Karl Bell, Dan Bunch, Rossanna Contreras-Godfrey, and the supportive communities within the Sociology Department, African and African Diaspora Studies, Learning to Learn Office, and Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center were pivotal. Each person, department, and program contributed uniquely to my academic and personal growth, providing guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
You were studying abroad during the semester you were selected for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. How do you look back at this achievement now? What significance did it have?
The circumstances surrounding the receipt of the award were anything but usual—receiving it in South Africa, in the middle of the night via a Skype call, added an extraordinary layer to the experience. This unconventional scenario made the moment even more memorable for me.
Receiving the MLK Jr. Memorial Scholarship stands as a monumental achievement in my life, embodying the collective support and belief of the BC community in my potential.
Reflecting back, it holds a significant place in my heart, symbolizing not just a personal achievement but also the collective support and belief of the BC community in my potential. It was a milestone that underscored the importance of perseverance, passion for social justice, and the impact of scholarship support in realizing academic and career goals.
Then, a scholarship award recipient; now, keynote speaker for the same event. How does it feel to be coming back to BC?
Returning to the Heights as a featured speaker, a decade after graduating, feels surreal and incredibly rewarding. It’s a full-circle moment that brings into focus the vision I had for my future and the realization of those dreams through hard work, support, and opportunities BC provided. This return not only allows me to reflect on my journey but the potential to share insights and experiences that might inspire current and future students. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of BC’s community and the transformative power of education.
I am immensely grateful for the foundation BC provided, which prepared me for the challenges and opportunities of academia and beyond. The journey from then to now has been enriched by the people I’ve met, the lessons learned, and the experiences shared. I look forward to continuing to engage with the BC community and contribute to its legacy of excellence and service.
Philip V. McHarris
Philip V. McHarris's picture
Education:
B.A. Sociology, Boston College
Areas of Interest:
Race and Ethnicity, Housing and Neighborhoods; Policing; Poverty; Inequality; Urban Sociology; Mixed-Methods
Email:
philip.mcharris@yale.edu
Website:
http://philipvmcharris.com/
Vita:
https://sociology.yale.edu/sites/default/files/philip_mcharris_cv.pdf
Philip V. McHarris is a joint PhD candidate in Sociology and African American Studies at Yale University. Philip’s main areas of research include race and ethnicity, housing, policing, and inequality. His current research focuses on the experiences of residents of a high-rise public housing development in Brooklyn, NY as they navigate concerns surrounding safety, policing, building conditions, and cycles of poverty.
In another line of research, Philip examines the causes and consequences of the large-scale expansion of policing in the United States since 1965 and the strategies that communities employ to challenge police expansion and end police violence. Philip draws on qualitative and quantitative methods throughout his research.
In addition to his scholarly work, Philip has written for outlets that include The New York Times, Washington Post, and Slate. His commentary has been featured on HBO, CNN, TIME, and PBS. Philip is a recipient of the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. He received his B.A. in Sociology from Boston College
Philip V. McHarris Awarded 21st Century Dissertation Prize
Department News
Alumni
Student Awards and Recognition
April 28, 2023
It is our pleasure to announce that Philip V. McHarris has been awarded 21st Century Dissertation Prize.
Philip McHarris’ dissertation, High Rise: Poverty, Policing, and Crisis in American Public Housing, has been awarded the Yale Sociology department’s 21st Century Dissertation Prize. The award recognizes a distinguished dissertation that contributes to public policy or the public interest.
High Rise is an ethnographically rich account of the everyday realities that residents of a Brooklyn, New York public housing development navigate in everyday life. Moreover, this groundbreaking work sheds new light on the interconnected concerns surrounding safety, policing, building conditions, and cycles of poverty. Importantly, McHarris shows how policing and surveillance are prioritized over social investments and the built environment.
Dr. Philip V. McHarris is a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University in the Department of African American Studies and the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. Philip’s main areas of research include racial inequality, housing, and policing. His current research focuses on the experiences of residents of a high-rise public housing development in Brooklyn, NY as they navigate concerns surrounding safety, policing, building conditions, and cycles of poverty.
In another line of research, Philip examines the causes and consequences of the large-scale expansion of policing in the United States since 1965 and the strategies that communities employ to challenge police expansion and end police violence. Philip draws on qualitative and quantitative methods throughout his research.
Philip completed his PhD in Sociology and African American Studies at Yale University in 2021, and was a recipient of the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. He received his B.A. in Sociology from Boston College. In addition to his scholarly work, Philip has written for outlets that include The New York Times, Washington Post, Slate, The Guardian, MTV, and Nickelodeon. He has been featured on HBO, CNN, TIME, PBS, and other media outlets. In 2020, Philip was selected as one of the Root 100 Most Influential African Americans.
Philip V. McHarris
he/him/his
Assistant Professor, Department of Black Studies
Email
philip.mcharris@rochester.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Biography
Dr. Philip V. McHarris (he/him) is an assistant professor in the Department of Black Studies at the University of Rochester. Before arriving at Rochester, McHarris was a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University in the Department of African American Studies and the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab. He earned his PhD in Sociology and African American Studies at Yale University.
His work has been supported by the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. In addition to his scholarly work, McHarris has written for outlets that include The New York Times, Washington Post, Slate, The Guardian, MTV, and Nickelodeon. His commentary has been featured on HBO, CNN, TIME, and PBS. In 2020, he was honored as one of the Root 100 Most Influential African Americans.
Research Overview
McHarris’ research focuses on racial inequality, housing, and policing. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Beyond Policing (Legacy Lit | Hachette), which traces the historical arc of policing and presents transformative visions for safety and justice. McHarris is also currently at work on Brick Dreams (under advance contract with Princeton University Press), an ethnography-based manuscript focused on the New York City Housing Authority and the contemporary realities and challenges of public housing in America.
Research Interests
Racial inequality, housing, and policing
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Philip V. McHarris
Born December 4, 1992 (age 31)
Bronx, New York, U.S.
Nationality American
Education Boston College
Yale University
Occupation(s) Academic, writer
Years active 2012–present
Website www.philipvmcharris.com
Philip V. McHarris (born December 4, 1992) is an American academic at Yale University and writer.[1][2]
McHarris has been a frequent contributor for The New York Times,[3] The Washington Post,[4][5][6] Al Jazeera,[7] and Essence[8][9] regarding issues related to race, policing, housing, and social inequality. He has appeared on HBO,[10] CNN,[11] PBS,[12] ABC News,[13] and MSNBC.[14] His commentary has also been featured in Time,[15] the Los Angeles Times,[16] and MTV.[17]
McHarris has keynoted and spoken at universities across the country, including Harvard University,[18] Iona College,[19] Boston College,[20] Yale University Art Gallery,[21] and Princeton University.[22] McHarris was also the recipient of the Boston College 31st Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award.[1][20] In 2020, he was selected as one of the Root 100 most influential African Americans.[23][24]
Early life and education
McHarris was born in Bronx, New York, and grew up in Newark, New Jersey.[1] McHarris attended high school at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Boston College.[20] McHarris received a Master of Arts in sociology and African American studies from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy in sociology and African American studies from Yale University. He also attended Princeton University as a PhD exchange scholar. Philip McHarris is currently a PhD candidate at Yale University in sociology and African American studies.[25] McHarris' academic research focuses on race, policing, housing, inequality, and mass incarceration.[3][26][27]
Media
McHarris has frequently written and provided commentary on politics and social issues in news media outlets. He has appeared on CNN,[11][28] PBS,[12] ABC News,[13] MSNBC,[14] and Axios on HBO.[10] His commentary has also been featured on BBC,[29] Time,[30] NPR,[31] and NBC.[32]
McHarris has been a frequent contributor for The New York Times,[3] The Washington Post,[4][5][6] Slate,[33] Al Jazeera,[7] and Essence.[8][9] His commentary has also appeared in Time,[15] CNN,[34] the Los Angeles Times,[16] and MTV.[17]
Politics and activism
McHarris has been an advocate of the Black Lives Matter movement and efforts to end police violence.[35][36][37] He has advocated for divesting from policing and reinvesting funds into community resources and alternative safety and emergency response systems.[4][3][12]
In 2012 while an undergraduate student at Boston College, McHarris organized a student rally (along with Ben St. Gerard) following the killing of Trayvon Martin two months earlier.[38] In 2015 McHarris was a co-founder of the NYC chapter of BYP100, an African American youth organization in the United States with the main focus on community organizing, voter mobilization, and other social justice campaigns.[39][40]
Publications and works
McHarris, Philip V. (May 30, 2020). "No More Money for the Police". The New York Times.
McHarris, Philip V. (May 28, 2020). "Why does the Minneapolis police department look like a military unit?". The Washington Post.
McHarris, Philip V. (April 10, 2020). "Public Housing Residents May Be Some Of The Hardest Hit By COVID-19 Outbreak". Essence.
Vargas, Robert; McHarris, Philip (January 8, 2016). "Race and State in City Police Spending Growth: 1980 to 2010". Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. 3 (1): 96–112. doi:10.1177/2332649216650692. S2CID 156271269.
QUOTED: "The author's impressive expertise is matched only by his passion for his subject and commitment to radical imagination."
"a deeply researched, profoundly optimistic vision for a police-free future."
McHarris, Philip V. BEYOND POLICING Legacy Lit/Hachette (NonFiction None) $30.00 7, 16 ISBN: 9781538725665
A Black scholar imagines a world without police.
Growing up in the Bronx, McHarris learned early in life that, despite their purported responsibility to promote public safety, the police were actually a danger to him and his Black friends and family. "I've been trying to avoid the police for as long as I can remember," he writes. This lifelong tendency to avoid police, as well as his extensive research for his dissertation for his doctorate in sociology and African American studies at Yale, led to his ability to imagine--and his commitment to advocate for--a society without police. McHarris begins his abolitionist argument with a short history of the American police force, connecting its origins to slave patrols, anti-Asian and anti-Mexican sentiments, and the genocide of Indigenous peoples. After thoroughly uncovering this deplorable history, the author traces the evolution of the police into its modern form, which evolved from the Reagan era war on drugs and continued with then-senator Biden's racist 1994 crime act. Crucially, McHarris describes these developments alongside alternatives to policing, ranging from modern movements in Miami, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia to historical movements like the "copwatch patrols" instituted by the Black Panthers. In the final section of the book, McHarris gets imaginative about what it might be like to live in a world without police, emphasizing that, in every community, safety is contingent on an equitable distribution of resources. "It's fundamentally a question of prioritizing lives and people over property and capital," he writes. The author's impressive expertise is matched only by his passion for his subject and commitment to radical imagination. While the text is occasionally repetitive, this is a compassionate, comprehensive, and practical guide to envisioning and creating a world free from the oppression and violence caused by police.
A deeply researched, profoundly optimistic vision for a police-free future.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"McHarris, Philip V.: BEYOND POLICING." Kirkus Reviews, 15 June 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A797463177/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=719c8661. Accessed 11 July 2024.