Non-profit Partnership Launches Conversation on Ending Modern Day School Segregation with 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial, Lieutenant Gubernatorial, and Attorney General Candidates

Download Press Release - Racial segregation in public education has been illegal for almost 70 years in the United States, yet many of the nation's public schools remain largely separate and unequal — with profound disparities and consequences for students, especially those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and/or students of color. Although many students learn about the historical struggle to desegregate schools in the civil rights era, segregation as a current reality is largely absent from state curricula.

Given Virginia’s history as the nation’s leader in Massive Resistance to school desegregation, we urge the Commonwealth to lead the national conversation and effort to end modern day school segregation. As non-profits committed to education equity for all Virginia's children, we are pleased to announce a series of virtual fireside chats on Ending Modern Day School Segregation. We invite all 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial, Lieutenant Gubernatorial, and Attorney General candidates regardless of party affiliation to share their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives with all Virginians. 

Partners from diverse non-profits across the Commonwealth will come together to launch this series on Thursday, April 22, 2021, as a community resource and not as an endorsement of any one candidate or party. We hope to ascertain each candidate’s level of understanding, ideas, and willingness to address this vital issue and help end school segregation once and for all.

BACKGROUND

The non-profit partnership of the following organizations was formed in support of their joint mission for education equity throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: