Condemning Racism and Advancing Equity Should Not Be Controversial
Teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, social workers, and anyone who works with children know that in order for children to succeed, caring adults must understand their needs, meet them where they are, help them discover their full potential, and give them the tools they need to meet that potential.
That is why for decades we have pushed back on a standardized testing agenda and advocated for policies that address equity, focus on the whole child, and call for resources to address student needs. And that is why last year, by an overwhelming 12–5 vote, the state Board of Education passed a resolution condemning racism and advancing equity and opportunity for students of color. The actions in this resolution are critical toward meeting the vision of Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education.
Now, a vocal minority on the Board is jeopardizing all the progress we have made by working to rescind this historic resolution. They have been very clear in their statements that they not only deny structural racism, but that they are opposed to equity, social emotional learning, and a whole child approach to education. Rescinding the resolution would throw away the foundational principles that stakeholders, from across the political spectrum, have collaboratively included in Ohio’s strategic plan.
Condemning racism should not be controversial. Our students need to know that their schools are safe and welcoming. They need adults who have their backs. They need to be taught an accurate history to understand the mistakes of our past so that they can fulfill the promise of our Constitution.
Advancing equity should not be taboo. Our country has a long history of addressing equity in our march to become “a more perfect union.” We have put cuts in curbs to make it easier for all people to access sidewalks. We have passed laws like Title IX so that women have the same access to education programs and activities as men. We need to continue to become more equitable in our education system. Addressing equity in our classrooms will go much further toward closing achievement gaps than the mandated standardized testing regiment that has been forced upon us.
Providing social emotional supports should not be contentious. We all learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs when we were going through our professional training. Our students bring so many challenges to the classroom that create barriers to learning. We need counselors, nurses, behavioral specialists, and social workers to soften or break down those barriers so that we can actually teach students.
We cannot allow a handful of Board members to derail the progress we have made, especially when that derailment will have the greatest impact on the students who need it most. We cannot shy away from condemning racism because of a false narrative about what is being taught in our classrooms. We cannot let the state fall back on its commitment to a strategic plan because some people want to make it a political tool.
This is about more than a resolution. It is about being those caring adults who use every tool they have to help all children — no matter their race, religion, or background — to succeed.
