Navigating and Advancing Equity During a Perfect Storm: The Experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color School Board Members

• In Event: School Boards in the Storm: Local Governance and Controversy

Abstract

School boards are at the center of district policy, and recently many boards have experienced intensified advocacy over policies related to COVID-19, school resource officers, and anti-CRT sentiments. These policies play a crucial role in the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and yet, many communities lack BIPOC board representation. This paper aims to address the underrepresentation and contributions of BIPOC board members. Framed by community equity literacy framework (Green, 2017, 2018), we explore interviews with 30 BIPOC board members. Preliminary findings suggest their advocacy is fueled by inequities, they often struggle alone at the local-level to maintain their advocacy, but national and state organizations offer them significant support. The paper’s implications include improvements to district governance.

Authors

• Carrie Sampson, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Emily Nunez-Eddy, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Alfonso Ayala, San Jose State University
  Presenting Author

• Jasmine Pham, University of Toronto
  Presenting Author