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
The Leadership Conference Releases Scorecard for the 117th Congress
WASHINGTON – The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today released its scores for every member of the 117th U.S. Congress. The Voting Record, which has been issued for every Congress since 1969, reflects the votes taken by every senator and representative on the legislative and nominations priorities of The Leadership Conference. The Leadership Conference’s Voting Record is neither an endorsement nor condemnation of any member of Congress.
Leadership Conference Poll: 54 Percent Fear America Is on the Path to Another Civil War, 53 Percent Think Democracy May Be Done in Four to Five Years
WASHINGTON – A new national poll commissioned by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and conducted by brilliant corners Research and Strategies has found that ahead of the 2022 midterm election, strong majorities of likely voters, across the political spectrum and across race and gender, believe our democracy is under threat and fear it may not exist in five years, fear that we could be on the pathway to civil war and are concerned about the prevalence of racial discrimination in society. The national poll of 1,003 likely voters is the first commissioned on this topic by The Leadership Conference and comes at a time when the pillars of our democratic society are under constant attack.
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.
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.