Illinois School Board Journal, September/October 2020

Page 10

Cover Story

Ten Ways School Boards Can Champion Racial Equity Renewed for 2020 By Pat Savage-Williams

I

In the United States, virtually all schools from preschool through higher education, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For most of us, since midMarch, schools have not been in session. While we miss the in-person contact with students and staff, we have all pivoted to some form of virtual instruction or remote learning. This has impacted how schools function and has required

10  Illinois School Board Journal

massive adjustments in operation systems. Disparities in the educational system have always been in place but have become dreadfully evident during this pandemic. While most of us learned about the COVID-19 pandemic a few months ago, many of us have been living the pandemic of racism for all of our lives. COVID-19 has highlighted the disparities that we always knew

were present. As a result, many school boards are looking to increase their effectiveness in disrupting the racial disparities that have been in place in their district and their communities. This article, originally printed in the March/April 2018 issue of the Illinois School Board Journal, provides school boards with actionable possibilities to address racial inequities in their districts.


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