Equity in Education: Why It Matters

As a new administration vows to scrap federal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, public education faces a big shift. Some people think DEI hurts merit, but it's crucial for fairness. Schools can't stop this work, especially when students' futures depend on it. At Evanston Township High School, students come from diverse backgrounds. Treating them all the same ignores their unique needs and advantages. Equity isn't about equal outcomes, but a fair start. Helping one student doesn't hurt another. Schools must provide what students need, like multilingual education or wheelchair access. These aren't luxuries; they're essential. When the conversation turned to racial inequities, equity became a hot topic. But the goal remains the same: fairness for all. Racial achievement gaps aren't students' fault. They're signs of old barriers. Schools must tackle these, not just blame others. It's about responsibility and change. Progress in equity isn't easy, but it's happening. More students from marginalized backgrounds are taking advanced courses. Seeing themselves in learning makes a big difference. But there's more work to do.