Madison’s Affirmative Action Commission awarded funds to the Keen Independent Research firm to perform the group’s “Disparity Study” planned from the previous year.
The “Disparity Study” is a research study members of the Affirmative Action group initiated to assess the magnitude of discrimination against minorities, women and disadvantaged business enterprises associated with Madison’s public works construction contracts.
The committee decided to choose the Colorado-based Keen Independent Research firm for its favorable reputation from previous studies performed nationwide.
“Keen has done disparity studies all throughout the country,” Norman Davis, the city of Madison’s affirmative action division manager, said. “They have successfully provided expert testimony in federal court cases.”
The research firm will work with both women and minority-owned businesses in Madison to receive firsthand knowledge of the residents’ disparities. Keen’s strategy, according to Davis, involves “one-to-one, personalized” surveys with the individual contractors they plan to meet with. This tactic will allow the researchers to obtain thorough data from the perspective of subjugated Madison residents.
Once Keen analyzes results, the firm will assess whether or not the inequalities are a historic issue for Madison and which groups are specifically targeted.
The long term goals of the committee include creating legal amendments to alleviate the city of economic and marketplace discrimination. If the study provides data suggesting market disparity is a serious issue in Madison, the results will be presented to Common Council for further deliberation beyond the city’s jurisdiction.
Davis explained that in order for legitimate changes to be made in Madison’s workplace equity, federal action must take place. Providing city officials with formidable data is the first step the committee should take in order to implement affirmative action programs, according to Davis.
Davis said the most important action Keen Research will take is “talking with the community, talking with all the stakeholders, talking with elected officials and explain[ing] exactly what’s happening.”
The committee hopes the research will raise awareness about the equity issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the city.
“Nobody’s going to be in the dark during this process,” Davis said.
