Black youth deserve a better education

Inclusive academic curricula, critical race theory, and mandated diversity and inclusion training are not the only elements necessary to take steps towards creating racial equity in Dallas’ public education sector. We need access to quality education, resources, and services within our schools in black neighborhoods. Our children are deserving of accessing and receiving an education equivalent to schools like Highland Park. We need accountability measures in place that will address low-performing educators who continue to perpetuate harm. We need repercussions for educators and staff that engage in and condone microaggressions, racism, racial slurs, and derogatory language. How many educators will come under investigation in Northern Texas before we witness a change in conduct and policy? All of these factors deepen Texas’ educational and economic disparity gaps. BIPOC students of low-income families receive inadequate educational resources, programming, and support in schools due to a lack of funding compared to schools in predominantly white neighborhoods. Non-bilingual educators attempt to navigate instruction through language barriers or assign bilingual students as aids to immigrant students of color because of lacking supportive staff. Several districts throughout Dallas have a rising black population but a declining educational program. Research and reports have shown that schools composed mostly of BIPOC learners are affected the most, which also has a long-term and lasting impact on the educational and economic conditions within the state and generations to come.