Evolving Equity Traps: New Challenges for Educational Leaders in Pursuit of Antiracism

• In Event: Redefining Leadership and Equity in Evolving Educational Spaces

Abstract

While diversity, equity, and inclusion are under siege across the United States, this study examines an urban districts commitment to equity and anti-racism. This qualitative study seeks to understand how leaders navigate equity traps as they engage in leadership for equity and anti-racism. Using an abductive analysis approach this study contributes to literature on equity traps and seeks to expand the framework two decades after the foundational work. We present two findings: the gaze functioning and a lack of intersectionality. This study provides insight into how equity-centered leaders navigate the policing gaze of fellow educators, while also cautioning leaders from ignoring the intersections of various identities as they pursue equity-centered education.

Authors

• Patricia M. Virella, Montclair State University

• David Osworth, University of North Carolina - Greensboro