Put simply, a concern with ensuring that all students are given an equal chance to succeed. That means that even a child from a lower socio-economic status or a child whose first language is not English or a child from a minoritized community is given the same opportunities to develop their talents and potential as a child from a privileged community.

Unfortunately, the history of educational policy has shown that sometimes other concerns have overridden a commitment to educational equity. There are many gaps and problems in the current system that desperately need to be addressed. It’s a daunting task. And it’s sometimes politically difficult. But it is an essential component of ensuring that the educational system reflects core American virtues, principles, and promises.