Yesterday evening, Education Post held an
#EdEquityChat on Twitter based on answering the question, “Is Education a Civil Right?" In light of the current climate where Betsy DeVos and the Trump administration continue to
roll back protections for several vulnerable groups, the topic takes on extra significance.
Here Are Some Highlights From the Twitter Chat:
The crux of the issue we wanted to get at...So, is education a civil right or not? The majority of responses landed somewhere between “YES!” and it definitely “should be.” https://twitter.com/esanzi/status/1045104083940577282 https://twitter.com/educatorbarnes/status/1045118776277110784
Several people went even further to say it’s not just about access to an education, it’s about where or not a “quality” education should be considered a civil right. https://twitter.com/ChyriseH/status/1045103859750690816 https://twitter.com/nehemiah_frank/status/1045103851756552197
Diving deeper, are there certain education rights that should be guaranteed to all students? https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045104241239625729 Dr. Davis Dixon, a research associate at The Education Trust, highlighted the importance of access to rigorous coursework. A recent Ed Trust report
highlighted a gap in the strength of math assignments between well-resourced schools and those in higher poverty areas. https://twitter.com/DrDavisDixon/status/1045105808168509440
Others noted the importance of resources and opportunities. https://twitter.com/PeeplesChoice85/status/1045105473429676033 https://twitter.com/MrsWilkins_TOY/status/1045106852013510657
Our third question asked why civil rights laws in education exist for certain subgroups. https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045106282947104768
The common theme was that it comes down to historical context and protecting those who have been marginalized and discriminated against. https://twitter.com/ajeanicole/status/1045108036031979520 https://twitter.com/RollinMiriam/status/1045106912512151552 https://twitter.com/NNSTOY/status/1045107502013173761 https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045108750045118464
Are schools doing things differently in light of the fact that the Trump administration has initiated civil rights rollbacks for students of color as well as those with special needs? https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045108750045118464
Miriam Rollin, director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance highlighted some of those rollbacks. https://twitter.com/RollinMiriam/status/1045109545436106752
And, maybe it’s too early to know how things will play out and how schools can respond. https://twitter.com/nyschooltalk/status/1045108948783845377 https://twitter.com/TheKeyConsult/status/1045109627594125313
Question five dealt specifically with students with disabilities and whether or not they are receivings the protections and services they need in schools. https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045110596801310721
The general consensus was “no”, and that teachers and schools need more resources and support in providing the services these students deserve. https://twitter.com/RhodesBeland/status/1045114008880250882 https://twitter.com/Ms_KentAACPS/status/1045117545752264705 https://twitter.com/leeder899/status/1045124411903209473
Which civil rights in education are people worried are under threat? https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045112194105573376
Civil rights regarding sexual assaults and discipline disparities. https://twitter.com/RollinMiriam/status/1045113255671345155
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which ensures students with a disability receive tailored services. https://twitter.com/radiokeri/status/1045114789960331264
Finally, in 2018, 50 years after MLK Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream Speech,” we wonder if education is the civil rights issue of our time. https://twitter.com/edu_post/status/1045113819830394883
Some said yes: https://twitter.com/RhodesBeland/status/1045115515277123586 https://twitter.com/TheKeyConsult/status/1045115182840721409
Another response noted that before pointing out just education, we should realize the original fight for civil rights is not finished.
“If we are honest with ourselves as a country, we haven't yet realized the true essence of everything our civil rights leaders fought for.” https://twitter.com/DrDavisDixon/status/1045115583094820865
Weren’t able to join the chat? Check out more of what happened and join the conversation with #EdEquityChat.