A Critical Policy Analysis of Illinois

• In Event: Race and Rurality in Research, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Compounding the existing disparities faced by rural residents on the whole, rural Residents of Color face systemic inequities that are both place-based and race-based, resulting in even lower levels of educational attainment and economic opportunity than rural white residents (Marré, 2017). Undoubtedly, rural policy efforts that ignore racial realities, and racial equity efforts that ignore rural people/places leave rural Communities of Color behind. In her role on the panel, Collins will share findings from her analysis of a set of Illinois policy efforts that have been launched in recent years, including the extent to which these initiatives address four specific educational needs of its rural Communities of Color: affordability, academic preparedness, college knowledge, and workforce opportunities. In turn, she will demonstrate how policymakers can reflect on state-level policies, critically consider both place and race, and ultimately, understand the impact that policies may have on various communities. Further, Collins will put forth examples of policies that may be adopted toward more equitable outcomes.

Author

• Jasmine Danielle Collins, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign