Laura Harding, Esq., is President of ERASE Racism, the regional civil rights organization based on Long Island that exposes and addresses the devastating impact of historical and ongoing structural racism, particularly in housing and public school education. It does so through research, policy advocacy, legal action, and educating and mobilizing the public – driving policy change at local, regional and statewide levels and through national coalitions. It has been recognized locally and nationally for its cutting-edge work.

Ms. Harding is an advocate, attorney, and public administrator with extensive experience advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion. She has extraordinary experience in a wide range of areas that relate directly to ERASE Racism’s advocacy and programs – especially in public education, housing, and other aspects of public policy. She has a depth of knowledge in effective approaches to addressing structural racism and enabling systems change to impact government and school policies. Her professional expertise encompasses program planning and implementation and has centered access to quality services and opportunities for underserved communities for school-age children and families eligible for affordable housing.

Prior to joining ERASE Racism, Ms. Harding was Director of Strategic Initiatives in K-12 Education and Co-Chair of the Racial Justice & Equity Team in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, DC. She was previously Director of Strategic Development in the Office of Equity & Access of the New York City Department of Education. Before that, she was Assistant Director of the Office of Federal Programs for the District of Columbia Public Schools. She has also served as a staff attorney with Legal Services New York, focusing on tenants’ rights, and for the New York Police Department, focusing on risk mitigation.

Ms. Harding holds a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University, where she currently has a consultancy as a facilitator in the Diversity Certificate Partnership Program, training Long Island residents about diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has a master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Howard University.