Work

Against the Current: Minoritized Leaders Resisting Pressure to Maintain Status Quo Inequity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This case study explores three vignettes of resistance faced by superintendents and school board members as they attempted to implement equity-centered policy that challenges the status quo. We recount the outcry that followed Superintendent Andrea Kane declaring “Black Lives Matter” in Queen Anne’s County, MD; Superintendent Cheryl Logan introducing a comprehensive career pathways program in Omaha, NE; and School Board Commissioners Alison Collins, Gabriela López, and Faauuga Moliga voting to support marginalized communities in San Francisco, CA. The threats, smear campaigns, and recall elections these leaders of color endured underscore the lengths to which privileged constituencies will go to protect their educational advantage and resist systemic change.

Source: Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership

DOI: 10.1177/15554589251388925

Authors: Kemi A. Oyewole, Keri M. Sherman, Andrea M. Kane, Cheryl J. Logan, Rand Quinn

Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Critical Race Theory in Education

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400