U.S. Education Secretary John B. KIng Jr. recently spoke in Hartford Magnet Trinity College, one of Connecticut's magnet schools where diversity in the educational system is greatly practiced. According to King, these magnet schools should be followed in terms of how diversity is given due importance in their curriculums. King believes that the students produced in schools that adapt diversity have a shot in deriving better results than those schools that do otherwise.
In his statement to reporters, King's reiteration was "We're not here to say that victory has been achieved but rather there are promising results from the efforts around diversity here." King also added, "We've got to build on that momentum."
In a report via Business Insider, it has been the thrust of King since he took office, to promote diversity in the U.S. Educational System, where a pending Congress Bill is reported to fund school programs that would promote his advocacy. A funding of $120 Million is said to be alloted to support the various program of local school systems where it can cater to more students outside the locality, create more preferences for public schools and even widening the modes of transportaion for these students.
The Stronger School Diversity Act of 2016 was also introduced last month by Democrat U.S. Senator Chirs Murphy. According to the same report, Senator Murphy highlighted in the discussion, the importance of diversity in school systems as it would be greatly beneficial to students that are disadvantaged as well.
Diversity has definitely created its mark in the magnet schools of Hartford. However, there are still students in Connecticut that are not given the educational freedom of not having to suffer the after effects of racism, discrimination and poverty in these areas. The lack of option has lead them to attend neighboring schools instead. School preference is still almost a luxury enjoyed by those who are privileged.
Students of color respond better to teachers of color as well. This is according to a statement released by U.S. Education Secretary King saying, "While students of color make up the majority in our public schools, just 18 percent of teachers identify as people of color. Research suggests that students of color benefit from having teachers of color who can serve as positive role models and illustrate the potential of what they can be."
Education is a right. It should be accessible and given freely to every student no matter the skin color or socio-economic status. The objective of getting an education is to pave roads that will lead to an individual's success, creating better opportunities and more chances to a better life. Society's perception may have hampered and curtailed this right. However, with the likes of U.S. Education Secretary John B. King Jr. and Senator Chris Murphy fighting for diversity in the educational system, hope is definitely instilled in the learning experiences in every classroom.
A diploma will never have its worth, if the right to a good education is stripped from the credentials its supposed to uphold. Graduating my just be another right of passage, but what is assimilated in the learning experiences in a school that adapts diversity thus becomes the breaking ground of passage to a better future.
