Ulysses Navarrete calls on us to push back and demand equity in education
As we move into the next year, it is imperative to face the reality that our education system stands at a crossroads. Over the past year, we have seen a troubling erosion of the Department of Education’s role, the federal government rescinding the policy designating schools “sensitive locations,” and threats to critical English language learner (ELL) programs by potentially cutting funding for Title III and rescinding guidance on how schools should identify and support English learners.
Now is the time to push back with clear, direct, and unapologetic advocacy, especially for Latino students and other students of color. This moment demands that we advocate fiercely for a federal education department that is both strong and committed to the needs of all students.
We must insist on legislative measures that restore the Department of Education’s full capacity and fortify it against future attempts at dismantling. We need a department that is not just a regulatory body but is also a driving force for educational equity and innovation. This means pushing for legislation that protects and uplifts schools serving predominantly Latino communities and actively works to close opportunity gaps.
We must also be direct: Revitalizing the teaching profession is not just about filling classrooms with more teachers. It is about ensuring that those teachers reflect the diverse identities and experiences of the students they serve. ALAS, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, has long championed pathways for Latino educators and leaders, and the policies we advocate for must continue to support that mission. This means funding residency programs, supporting paraeducators in becoming licensed, and making sure that a career in education is respected and well compensated.
Finally, strong support for school leaders is not just a “nice to have,” it is a “need to have” for the schools that serve our historically marginalized students. We need policies that offer ongoing professional development, mentorship, and resources for educational leaders. We should prioritize legislation that both stops the cuts and actively builds capacity within our school systems. When our leaders are supported, our students thrive.
In essence, this is a call for bold, unapologetic action that places equity at the forefront. By advocating for a stronger Department of Education, a revitalized and diverse teaching workforce, and well-supported leaders, we can ensure that Latino student and other students of color have the opportunities they need to succeed. This work cannot be done in isolation. It requires a united national voice. Joining the ALAS national organization strengthens our collective advocacy, elevates Latino leadership, and ensures we are organized, informed, and influential where decisions are made. Then, and only then, can we ensure that our educational system meets the needs of all students and prepares them for the future.
Ulysses Navarrete is executive director of ALAS—the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. www.alasedu.org