Education
Fighting to protect the civil rights of all students in America — regardless of background or zip code
America should be a place where every child, no matter their unique circumstances, can grow up to be what they dream. And yet our nation continues to create discriminatory barriers that unfairly limit or deny educational opportunity.
At The Leadership Conference, we work to transform public education so that all young people can attend safe, inclusive, and resourced schools that prepare them for successful futures. We also aim to transform education decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels so that diverse and intersectional voices drive reform.
Educational equity is a civil and human right. That’s why our coalition is leading a coordinated effort to protect the rights and safety of students with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault on campuses, students of color, and other vulnerable communities to ensure every student in America can forge the best path to their future.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela
Recent Resources
Published by The Leadership Conference Education Fund in collaboration with member organizations of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Latest News
Early Care and Education Policies Must Advance Equity, Protect Civil Rights
WASHINGTON — The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, along with 46 civil rights and education organizations, today released Civil Rights Principles for Early Care and Education. The principles outline how decision makers at all levels can ensure an education system that offers meaningful equal opportunity and success for all children, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
The State of Our Civil and Human Rights Must Be Made Stronger
WASHINGTON – Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the below statement following President Biden’s first State of the Union address:
We Must Protect Historically Black Colleges and Universities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wade Henderson, interim president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights released the following statement on the continued threats of violence against several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs):
Education Task Force
The Education Task Force works to ensure children in grades K-12 and students in higher education experience positive school climates, are safe in their academic environment, and have equitable access to high-quality educational services. Together, the members of the task force developed a comprehensive list of priority legislative initiatives that strive to protect and expand students’ civil rights, as well as remove barriers to education for historically marginalized students.
Letter: Double the Funding for the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights ›
Take Action
Every student deserves a safe, inclusive, and resourced education that is free from discrimination. Here are a few ways to make your voice heard in the movement for education equity.