The Equity Line contains original analyses, commentary, and “on the ground” stories of students, parents, educators, and activists all over the nation striving to improve education. It chronicles our efforts, as well as those of partners and friends who are working toward the shared goal of closing gaps.
Why Education Equity is So Important, Right Now
Recently, we’ve seen a fierce backlash against education equity — including a ban on affirmative action in college admissions and a rolling back of diversity, …
How Education Creates a Pathway for Formerly Incarcerated People’s Reintegration
by Kareemah HanifaWhen we think about collateral consequences of mass incarceration, what are your immediate thoughts? Imagine being incarcerated for 26 years and learning to na…
Understanding Equality and Equity
Equality is a worthy ideal, but it presupposes that all people are afforded the same access, resources, and opportunities to succeed. Sadly, that’s never been …
Could the Emerging Use of A.I. in Schools be the Next Digital Divide?
The development of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is emerging at lightning speed — so much so that the Biden administration just issued its first ever A.I. exe…
For Students to Feel Welcome at College, PWIs Need More DEI efforts—Not Less
by Ivory ToldsonAs the Director of Education Innovation and Research and professor at Howard University, I understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) …
Scholastic Book Fairs Are Making Diversity Optional
Every adult in America of a certain age probably remembers attending the Scholastic Book Fair — the feeling of excitement, perusing the catalog, circling the b…
Policy and Mindsets Must Change to Truly Prepare Students for College & Career Success
by Ed TrustWhen I look out at my classroom, I reflect on my last eight years as a teacher. I think of all of the faces, lessons, heart to hearts, and the “Wow, I could’ve…
What Isn’t Talked About When We Talk About Latinos
Working as an administrator in an elementary school in the Bronx was a formative experience for me, as it was my first time working in an organization that was…
What School Leaders Can Do To Promote Racially Just Management of Funds and Operations
by Kimberly Sterin, Ph.D.As a middle and high school English teacher in a large public school district, I witnessed firsthand that there are many other adults in schools and districts …
Colleges and Universities Must Commit to Student Belonging in Light of Affirmative Action Rulings and Attacks on DEI
Given the recent Supreme Court decisions banning affirmative action, along with state attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, students of co…
District Budget Woes Likely Means School Closures: Here’s What Advocates Need to Know
With school now in session, some school districts that are struggling financially — largely due to the drying up of federal pandemic funds, higher costs, and l…
Improving Student Access to Empowering, Rigorous Content Webinar Series
by Ed TrustEmpowering our nation’s students to become well-rounded individuals — equipped to navigate the complexities of our world, contribute to an inclusive society, a…
Cultivating a Supportive and Inclusive School Environment
by Denise ForteWith the back-to-school season underway across the country, now is the time for our community of advocates for education equity to join together and support st…
A School Community That Engages Together, Stays Together
As every summer fades, the anticipation of a fresh academic year rises for educators, students, and their families across the country. In certain states in th…
What Advocates Should Know About the ESSER Fiscal Cliff
by Everton BlairDid you know that the federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) stimulus funds for public K-12 schools are running out soon? The deadlin…
Navigating College and Beyond Without Affirmative Action
The need for diversity, equity and access in college admissions, across university campuses and in the workforce — couldn’t be more heightened. Today, America …
Florida Social Studies Standards Are a Slap in the Face of Honest American History
I was dismayed to learn that in my home state of Florida, the state board of education unanimously approved new social studies standards for K-12 students, whi…
How Borrowers Should Prepare for Student Loan Payments to Resume
by Jaylon HerbinAfter a three-year pause, student loan payments will resume in October. The timeline for payments restarting was part of negotiations for the debt-limit deal t…
How the Supreme Court Decision Blocking Student Loan Forgiveness Affects Black Women Like Me
by Deiondria Lee-SandersOn two consecutive days in June, the Supreme Court delivered devastating blows to federal education equity efforts aimed at helping students of color and stude…
It’s Time for a Federal Ban on Hair Discrimination
by Ena WalkerIn the summer of my senior year, my private school updated its dress codes and introduced a ban on the use of head wraps, except for religious purposes. This n…
