Last week, Louisiana passed a law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. This decision follows a trend of states removing DEI from schools and instead forcing one way of thinking on all students. These actions are exasperating an environment that excludes rather than includes. We’ve said this repeatedly, but we must rethink what education should represent.

One Step Forward, 50 Steps Back for Inclusivity

Louisiana’s law is part of a broader movement that challenges the separation of church and state, raising concerns about the inclusivity of our public education system. Removing DEI programs eliminates the steps taken during the pandemic to attempt to create equitable learning environments. As Yvonne Wright discusses in her Medium article, banning DEI efforts sends a message that diversity and inclusion are not valued in our schools, which has lasting negative effects on students from marginalized communities.

Reforming Education with Inclusivity in Mind

Reforming U.S. public education systems so they are inclusive and equitable will take many changes:

• Inclusive Curriculum: Our history should be taught in its entirety. Although painful, it’s the truth. Students deserve to understand the full context of our past to navigate the future. Removing DEI programs and sanitizing history textbooks limits students’ understanding of the world and their place in it.
• Nutritious and Culturally Relevant Meals: Healthy, culturally relevant meals are essential for student engagement and success. Our collaboration with Red Rabbit, which provides nutritious and culturally relevant meals, has shown how access to diverse meals can significantly reduce truancy and absenteeism. Ensuring every child receives a healthy meal should be a priority, as it directly impacts their ability to learn and thrive.
• Fair Compensation for Teachers: Teachers are the backbone of our education system, yet they remain some of the lowest-paid professionals. Increasing teacher salaries shows appreciation for their dedication and helps retain talented educators. Fair compensation is crucial to maintaining a high-quality education system.
• Equitable Funding for All Schools: No child’s future should be determined by their zip code. Addressing the disparities in school funding is essential to providing equal opportunities for all students. Schools in low-income areas often lack the resources necessary to offer a quality education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.

Let’s address the root causes of oppression to truly make the change needed in our education system.

Better Together’s Commitment to Education Reform

Our mission is to use communications to achieve equity and that includes (obviously!) supporting and transforming schools into environments that are inclusive and equitable for all students. True education reform requires a holistic approach that addresses curriculum, nutrition, teacher compensation and funding disparities. By implementing these changes, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

As we advocate for these changes, it’s important to stay informed and engaged. Here are some key statistics and resources to understand the current state of our education system and the impact of recent legislative changes:

• Teacher Salaries and Retention: According to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary in the U.S. for the 2020–2021 school year was $65,090, but this varies widely by state and often isn’t enough to retain high-quality educators.
• Food Insecurity in Schools: A report by the USDA found that in 2020, about 14.8 percent of households with children were food insecure, affecting students’ ability to focus and perform well in school.
• Impact of Culturally Relevant Teaching: The Stanford Graduate School of Education found that culturally relevant teaching practices can improve student engagement and academic performance, particularly among students of color.
• Educational Disparities by Zip Code: Research by the Urban Institute shows significant disparities in educational funding and resources based on geographic location, with schools in high-poverty areas often receiving less funding.
• Effects of School Lunch Programs: A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that participation in the National School Lunch Program was associated with better dietary intake and improved academic performance among children.

Requiring empathy, compassion and fairness in our education system will create schools that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our nation, ensuring students are seen, heard and valued.