Civil Rights and Racial Equity

Since the days of de jure segregation, our education system has been deeply unequal in delivering on the promise of a quality education for all of America’s children. Entrenched and systemic disparities in educational resources—including access to high-quality educators, college-preparatory curriculum, safe and positive school climates, support services, and funding—often place Black, Indigenous, and other children of color at a disadvantage in ways that can hinder their growth and learning. Furthermore, educators of color often face hurdles in accessing quality support, education, and career opportunities, which has led to a shortage of qualified teachers of color in this country. Work on these topics by the Learning Policy Institute and some of the country’s leading civil rights researchers demonstrates how advances have been and can be made to clear a path to high-quality, empowering education for all students, inclusive of historically marginalized youth.

Education as a Civil Right

Brown at 70: Reflections and The Road Forward

"The Library" painting by Jacob Lawrence

Brown at 70: Reflections and The Road Forward

In the 70 years since Brown v. Board of Education, the pursuit of educational equity has seen major strides forward and significant setbacks. A series of white papers looks at what progress has been made, what can be learned from setbacks, and what can be done to ensure all students to have the opportunity to learn.

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70 Years Later: Critical Education Policy to Live Out the Promise of Brown v. Board of Education

To mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v Board of Education, experts Travis J. Bristol, Linda Darling-Hammond, Zaretta Hammond and Phelton C. Moss offered insights into the policy levers necessary to uphold the ideals set forth by the case. Hosted by the American University School of Education.

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