For Release: May 25, 2021
Contact: Dorie Turner Nolt, 404.861.1127, dturnernolt@all4ed.org
“While the COVID-19 vaccine is defeating this once-in-a-generation health pandemic, the multi-generational pandemic of systemic racism still looms large. Despite the overwhelming public outcry over the brutal murder of George Floyd a year ago today, countless other Black and Brown people have been needlessly and cruelly killed since then, including students 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. We are disappointed that Congress has not heeded the call of President Biden to enact police reform legislation by today’s grim anniversary. What’s more, as educators and advocates for students, we know we have much more work to do to ensure lasting change in our classrooms and beyond and at all levels of government. The Senate must move swiftly to confirm key leaders at the U.S. Education Department who will stand against injustice, including approving Catherine Lhamon to once again lead the Office for Civil Rights. At the Alliance for Excellent Education, we continue to stand with those calling for justice and change in this country: our voices must be heard. We must keep pushing for the courage to create lasting change. Our country deserves better.”
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Deborah S. Delisle is the president and CEO of the Alliance for Excellent Education and served as assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education from 2012 to 2015.
The Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed) is a Washington, DC–based national policy, practice, and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those underperforming and those historically underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship. all4ed.org
