Contemporary Issues in Equity, Democracy, and Public Education

Our nation, among many others, is losing the democratic impulse and imagination that have made public education, at least in theory, a requisite for a flourishing democracy. The abysmal condition of U.S. public schools, especially for the most vulnerable segments of our population, is distressingly obvious. This book holds no punches when it comes to recognizing, critiquing, and addressing the problem head-on. Rather than blame students, their families, or communities for conditions over which they have little power as is often the case in our public discourse, the authors and editors of this compelling book instead suggest that an authentic equity perspective and practice are required, a perspective that recognizes the systemic and institutional nature of injustice. We need the message enshrined in this book – that equity cannot thrive without justice – now more than ever. Sonia Nieto Professor Emerita, Language, Literacy, and Culture College of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA The editors weave together compelling chapters that illuminate key current challenges to U.S. democracy in general and education in particular. Across disciplinary perspectives, the authors astutely elucidate how neoliberal principles merge with historical discriminatory ideologies and cement educational inequalities with the end result of weakening our democracy. Finally, and most importantly, the authors blend cross-disciplinary theories with powerful examination of potentially liberatory approaches and offer educators and other citizens hopeful yet realistic optimism for safeguarding our nation’s democracy and social justice ideals. Lilia I. Bartolomé, Professor Emerita, Department of Applied Linguistics University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA