FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact/Inquiries: Rahwa Andemichael 202-662-8347 [email protected] Lawyers’ Committee Applauds Release of Federal Guidance on Resource Comparability WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2014– The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) applauds the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights for the release of new federal guidance to ensure that all students have equal access to educational resources without regard to race, color or national origin. This landmark guidance clarifies the legal obligations of states and school districts to ensure that public education is available on equal terms. Since its inception, educational equity has been a core priority for the Lawyers Committee. Through the work of its Educational Opportunities Project, the Lawyers’ Committee strives to guarantee that all students receive equal educational opportunities in public schools and institutions of higher learning, by the promotion of diverse and integrated learning environments through litigation, advocacy and public education. While many states, districts and schools are challenged to provide high-quality instruction and educational opportunities to students, research shows that the inequitable allocation of school resources – both between districts and within them – often exacerbates the disadvantages many children face. Today, the U.S. Department of Education offers a clear path forward, by reiterating the affirmative obligation to avoid discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the allocation of educational resources, including facilities, courses and academic programs, extracurricular activities, teaching and administration, technology, and instructional materials. Disparities may be indicative of broader policies or practices that may disadvantage students of color. The ultimate question will be whether the funding and resources provided to each school ensures equal educational opportunities for all students. “We welcome with great excitement this historic guidance on resource comparability,” said Barbara R. Arnwine, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee. “For too long, many of our most vulnerable students have endured vast inequities in terms of access to curriculum, effective teachers, appropriate school facilities, and technology. We know that these disparities have had a direct and lasting impact on the ability of our students to learn and succeed.” “We are extremely pleased that the new guidance directly addresses issues related to inadequate school funding,” adds Tanya Clay House, director of Public Policy for the Lawyers’ Committee. “Secretary Duncan and Assistant Secretary Lhamon make it clear that allocation of funding must be designed to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, which may demand more funding targeted to support certain students.” “This guidance invites a fundamental and much needed shift in the discourse about public education,” observes Brenda Shum, director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee. “Without compromising accountability, the Department has prioritized access to opportunity. By doing so, it recognizes the unequivocal relationship between resources and learning. Moving forward, we look forward to heightened enforcement to ensure that all of our children enjoy equal access to meaningful educational opportunities.” About the Lawyers’ Committee The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2013 and continue our quest of “Moving America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers Committee is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice under law, particularly in the areas of fair housing and community development; employment; voting; education; criminal justice and environmental justice. For more information about the Lawyers’ Committee, visit lawyerscommittee.org.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:26:11 +0000