April 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns of schools across the country has highlighted the disparities facing Black and Hispanic students in nearly every aspect of public education. The many challenges include internet access, food and housing insecurity, and a shortage of resources and training necessary for students and teachers to succeed. As the pivot to remote learning has widened the educational gap for many, it is clear that to improve urban education, our public school systems need to evolve to meet the needs of all students. With COVID-19 vaccine distribution increasing, this critical moment could serve as a turning point in years-long efforts to create more equitable education outcomes for students in cities nationwide.