Racial Equity in Education Resources

Although progress has been made since Brown, racial inequality is an ongoing challenge that continues to impact the educational experiences of Black students and other students of color. To address these disparities and build a system where every student can learn and thrive, it is essential to identify existing barriers and implement policies that can ensure fairness and adequacy.

A large body of research shows the positive impacts Black teachers have on the academic and social outcomes of Black students, students of color, White students, and White teachers. Despite this evidence, Black teachers are in increasingly short supply, posing a challenge to equity and representation in education.

Since Brown, brief progress in desegregation has been made yet it has often lacked successful integration and supportive school environments. Recent political and policy shifts have reversed gains, with school segregation, which is now back to 1970s levels. Addressing this and renewing efforts for integration and equity in education requires understanding the intersections of race, school finance, and desegregation policies.

The Brown decision aimed to build a multiracial democracy by emphasizing public education's role in fostering engaged citizens. Achieving this vision remains crucial today and demands a renewed focus on education's purpose and the role of communities in shaping our future. Brown underscores the pivotal contributions of African Americans in advancing democracy, with today’s educational goals grounded in their efforts to promote equity and societal progress.