The Leadership Conference is working diligently to see that Tom Perez is confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Perez is an eminently qualified public servant and consensus builder who has dedicated his career to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed. He has served with integrity and distinction at the local, state and national level, compiling an outstanding record of achievement. Education
The nation cannot afford discriminatory barriers that unfairly limit or deny educational access based on factors like race, national origin, sex, or disability. Inequality in education prevents the nation from fulfilling its potential, and ensuring equal educational opportunity remains one of the civil rights movement's top priorities.
Department of Education Clarifies Schools’ Responsibility to Keep Students Safe from Bullying and HarassmentNovember 1, 2010 - Posted by Avril Lighty The Department of Education recently issued guidance to educators on when acts of student bullying could violate federal education anti-discrimination laws. The Leadership Conference Responds to Reports That Civil Rights Complaints to the Department of Education Are UpOctober 18, 2010 - Posted by Tyler Lewis The Associated Press reported last week that the Department of Education has received a record number of complaints that the civil rights of students are being violated. According to the AP, the complaints are up 11 percent this fiscal year to about 7,000. The complaints range from racial disparities in discipline and suspension rates to inadequate education for English language learners and unequal treatment of students with disabilities. Diverse ‘One Nation’ March Highlights Need for Bold Solutions, Voter Turnout in NovemberOctober 4, 2010 - Posted by Avril Lighty Nearly 200,000 people from across America came together Saturday to rally for "jobs, justice, and education" at the "One Nation Working Together" march on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The march was designed to spur elected officials to enact a bold agenda to move our country forward, and to urge voters to take part in the mid-term elections on November 2. Faith Leaders Celebrate MLK's Legacy and Make Renewed Call to Action for Civil and Human RightsAugust 26, 2010 - Posted by Avril Lighty On Saturday, August 28, faith leaders and civil and human rights advocates will gather at Shiloh Baptist Church to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and commit themselves to renewed activism for social justice. Report Finds Longer School Days BeneficialJuly 26, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference A report released by Mathematica Policy Research finds that the extended learning time at Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) schools helps their students outperform their counterparts at other public schools. Twenty-two KIPP middle schools were observed, including two in Washington, D.C. Report Shows Economic Benefits of Decreasing High School Dropout RateJuly 22, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference Reducing the number of high school dropouts by 50 percent can lead to tremendous economic benefits, according to a new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education. Drawing on data from the largest 45 metropolitan areas, the report reinforces the link between education and the economy. In these areas, 39 percent of high school students do not graduate on time with a standard diploma. However, if the national dropout rate were halved for just one graduating class in these areas, the new graduates could earn more than $4.1 billion in combined earnings, spend an additional $2.8 billion, and support up to 30,000 new jobs. Student Activists Rally in Support of the DREAM ActJuly 22, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference
Immigrant rights activists gathered at the Capitol this Tuesday to rally in support of the DREAM Act. While protesters rallied outside the Hart Senate Office Building, 21 undocumented immigrant college students staged sit-ins at congressional offices in support of their right to an education. At the conclusion of the sit-ins, these students were arrested and turned over to federal immigration enforcement to face possible deportation proceedings. The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that would provide a path to legal citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants – many of whom have lived in the United States nearly all their lives – provided that they earn a college degree or serve two years in the military. Civil and human rights groups strongly support this legislation as a common sense policy that promotes education, public service, and civic society for all. For more resources on the DREAM Act and how you can get involved, visit dreamact.info. Poll Finds Large Majority of Americans Want Federal Action on High School ReformJuly 16, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference A national opinion poll released yesterday showed that the majority of voters believe the nation's public high schools are in urgent need of improvement that should be addressed when the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation's primary federal education law, is reauthorized. Advocates Ask Court to Block $1.08 Billion Cut in Funding for New Jersey SchoolsJune 14, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference The Education Law Center filed a motion last week on behalf of more than 300,000 New Jersey public school students asking the New Jersey Supreme Court to uphold and enforce its ruling supporting the school funding formula in the state's School Funding Reform Act (SFRA). Civil Rights Groups Say Implementation of New English and Math Standards for Students Is Key to SuccessJune 8, 2010 - Posted by Tyler Lewis The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) recently released the Common Core State Standards, which will determine what American students should learn in English and math each year from kindergarten through 12th grade. |
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