Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) conversations have seemingly been at an all-time high over the past few years, with countless entities boasting their commitment to constructive change. But even before this stark increase in attention to social issues from corporations and the nation’s leaders, Americans have expected education to be a major catalyst to tearing down barriers to social justice and equity. But is it meeting the mark? Results from Pearson’s Global Learner Survey recently released showed that Americans believe their formal education fell short on topics of race and social justice.
For many Americans, the K-12 knowledge of racial inequity that they have retained solely encompasses a few notable Constitutional amendments, the names of a handful of civil rights icons, and one incredibly famous speech. But that is simply not enough to diminish ignorance, heighten empathy, or impassion those capable of bringing about change. A deeper dive into systemic racism is necessary to understand and correct the plights faced by underrepresented groups – and roughly half of Americans agree.
A curriculum that is not inclusive of diversity and equity has proven to be foundational in the glaring educational disparity between older and younger generations. While many Americans do not feel that their education adequately covered topics of race and gender equality, that sentiment is especially high among Baby Boomers (68%) and Gen-X (65%) respondents. These findings have far-reaching effects - look no further than our 117th Congress. Though Millennials gained representation after the latest election cycle, older generations still make up the majority of congresspeople. There is a direct impact to society when those who are creating important legislation have not had educational experiences that effectively taught diversity, equity and inclusion.
We now realize the undeniable fact that there is more work to be done within the formal education system. But in true American pathos, we are taking it upon ourselves to correct our course, close gaps, and advance mindsets. The extraordinary courage and commitment to social justice demonstrated by Gen Z and Millennials is soon bound to be as prevalent amongst Baby Boomers and Gen X, as nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) report they are actively trying to learn more about these issues to make up ground.
Dr. Neil Lewis, one of the remarkable guest speakers from Pearson’s Unwritten series, said it best: “Educational institutions have a couple of things to get right, with the first being an acknowledgement of the inequities that exist and why they came to be.” Americans are craving that acknowledgment, and it is our responsibility to enable it. Let us continue to support DE&I efforts in a collective and unapologetic manner, fostering a more equitable and inclusive culture that will last for centuries.
Taylor King is a junior at North Carolina A&T State University and a Pearson Campus Ambassador.