Education

In central Indiana, two women are marking Black History Month by advancing Black history, culture, and joy through literature. Natalie Pipkin has launched the Black WorldSchoolers Mobile Bookstore, while DeAndra Beard-Ingram has initiated a virtual book club, Reading Beyond Racism.

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, superintendent of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg, Texas, has been named the nation's 2026 Superintendent of the Year. This marks a significant achievement, as Nivens is only the second Texan to receive this honor in 25 years, highlighting the underrepresentation of Black leadership at the highest levels in education.

A$AP Rocky, the acclaimed hip-hop artist and cultural icon, returned to his roots in Harlem by visiting P.S. 125, The Ralph Bunche School, as part of the YouTube series "Celebrity Substitute." During his visit, Rocky engaged with students, encouraging them to harness the expressive power of hip-hop by writing lyrics. This initiative underscores the educational potential of hip-hop, fostering self-expression and confidence among young learners.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has unveiled a proposal for a "millionaire's tax," aimed at generating revenue to address key affordability issues in Washington. The plan includes funding for two years of free tuition at public universities, universal school meals, enhanced K-12 education funding, and the removal of state property taxes on the first $300,000 of home value.

The Wallace Foundation has allocated multi-year grants to eight major urban school districts to cultivate equity-focused school leaders and establish a supportive framework to ensure their success.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, under the Trump administration, dismissed nearly 90% of discrimination complaints received last year, a move that may have cost taxpayers up to $38 million in salaries and benefits for employees placed on administrative leave.

Ben Shuldiner has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools and has pledged to make the district a national model of excellence, while also addressing the challenges of budget deficits, declining enrollment, and safety concerns.

The Zinn Education Project provides educators with complimentary resources to teach Black history with depth and integrity. These resources include comprehensive lessons, literature, interactive workshops, and collaborative study groups, all aimed at fostering a nuanced and urgent understanding of Black history.

Kai Cenat, a prominent Twitch streamer, has embarked on a mission to read books aloud on camera, aiming to serve as a role model for Black schoolchildren facing literacy challenges and to inspire K-12 students nationwide.

In a significant legal development, the Trump administration has retracted its appeal against a federal court decision that prevented the government from withholding federal funds from educational institutions advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action affirms the ruling by a Maryland federal judge, which determined that the administration's attempt contravened the First Amendment.