Nina Shatz’s Post

“School district boundaries can and should be drawn intentionally to define school systems that are neither separate nor unequal.” - Zahava Stadler, New America Last month, we announced $5.8 million in grants to promote #integration and #equity in U.S. public schools. One of our grantees, New America, is modeling changes to school district boundaries to improve diversity and funding equity. By exploring options like district consolidation or redrawing boundaries based on existing census data, they aim to inform the creation of more balanced and equitable school districts. New America emphasizes, "Just as legislative districts need fair maps, school districts are crucial for an equal society." We are excited to support New America as they work towards creating fairer and more inclusive school district boundaries.

What does it mean to have a collective commitment to recognize students’ basic needs as inherent human rights, and seamlessly integrate them into the very fabric of our societal, institutional, and individual perspectives? 🤔 Attendee Emily Morse explores examples of that commitment in practice from the Real College California Coalition Basic Needs Summit: https://lnkd.in/e2u7wiP8

One of our favorite days of the year, #CCCUADVANCE Magazine is NOW ONLINE! This issue focuses on the topic of civil discourse in an election year. Read how #ChristianHigherEd is leaning into this valuable discussion and more.

"We must always be thinking about how to put deep roots on each forward piece of progress so that we can sustain them over the long haul" Our advisory board member and long-time leader in educational equity, Linda Darling-Hammond, gives incredible insight into practical policy approaches and frameworks for achieving Brown's promise. Check out the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gtGMNPZw

🥳 Today, we commemorate the third anniversary of the Task Force’s creation. On this day three years ago, our founder, Kaden Ouimet, convened a group of students to protect student rights and strengthen community representation. Since that day, our “task force of students” has evolved into a robust and national organization defending democracy and preserving our civil liberties. In 2024, we face our most challenging realization yet—that American democracy is under immeasurable strain. But we believe Democratic values will inevitably win—not only because we want them to, but because we see no other path forward for our future than a strong, inclusive, and representative democracy. To three more years of defending democracy!

In high school, when I first started looking at colleges and universities, I knew Kent State University sounded familiar for some reason. A quick Google search let me know that I probably had heard about it in one of my history classes (or perhaps that one old song?). Even after visiting the campus and committing to Kent State, I didn’t full grasp the gravity or the importance of what the tragedy of May 4, 1970, truly meant. All Kent State incoming students learn about the events leading up to and following May 4, 1970. When I became a tour guide for prospective students, I became a steward of the May 4 tragedy story and history. I walked prospective students and their families through the Taylor Hall parking lot, where memorials to the four students killed stand in the middle of the parking lot. This year, reflecting on the Kent State shooting feels a bit different. It is impossible to consider the implications the student protests in the 1970s and not draw parallels to the protests happening on university and college campuses today. My alma mater’s name has been thrown around, both by those urging the National Guard to get involved and stop the protests, and those supporting the students. Kent State’s President Todd Diacon put it well: “My point isn’t to wade into the protests, their structure, demands and organization, nor the opposition to them. Instead, I will simply say this as an historian and as the president of Kent State University: Our history is a bitter and vivid reminder of what happens when division and polarization crowd out peaceful dialogue and the search for understanding. To avoid this division and polarization, we embrace free speech while at the same time encouraging members of our community to practice kindness and respect when debating issues of the day. This is aspirational, we know. The alternatives can be dangerous.” #FlashesForever

In this clip of Innovations in Public Education, with our friends from Democracy Prep Public Schools, I ask the question why the idea of civic development in public schools is controversial at all, given the importance of public education in producing citizens capable of self-governance. Check out the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eufs_aee

SPONSORED - To act as informed voters, serve as responsible jurors, and participate in policy-making decisions, students need the knowledge and skills to interpret and communicate ideas that positively impact democratic policies, practices, and other people’s lives. Empower students as future voters by sharing resources from https://buff.ly/3wHTJBY

Policy vs. practice can feel like a chicken or egg conundrum. Find out how 2Revolutions & Kentucky's United We Learn Council are taking on both for the sake of KY students! https://lnkd.in/gfGF46AF

ICYMI: Stand Together Trust's Steve Taylor offered brilliant advice on how we have conversations surrounding the 2024 election and higher education policies. "It sounds so simple, but I think providing a space for individuals, students, and faculty to disagree better and lean into the tension and discomfort because you’re still going to be uncomfortable. Having a safe space where you can lean into that disagreement and talk about it is key." Listen to the panel: https://bit.ly/3ToAcyd