Equity In Education

By Talitha Batts & Rasheda Kelley

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has experienced challenges throughout history regarding the need for fair education. Many American Indian students face social barriers such as learning gaps that contribute to the unfair advantages in education. Understanding the concept of intersectionality can support the needs of the Lumbee Tribe students.

The Lumbee Tribe is one of eight tribal nations in North Carolina. Expanding in the southeastern part of the state within Roberson, Hooke, Scotland, and Cumberland counties, the Lumbee Tribe is considered one of the largest Indian tribes in North Carolina. According to the Lumbee tribe’s history, the ancestors were recognized by the State of North Carolina as early as 1885 and are still fighting for federal benefit rights. This type of inequality is an indicator of equitable needs for all individuals. Specifically, the education of the Lumbee Tribe. In 2015, the GAO produced a report that addresses the challenges in Indian education. Challenges such as lack of communication between Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education contributes to the disadvantages of American Indian students. It is vital for public administrators to recognize the challenges of American Indians to positively implement fair education initiatives.

Fair education of ingenious students matters. The American Indian population continues to face disparities in education. Understanding the intersection of race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status can eliminate bias practices of all individuals.

Five Reasons that Fair education of ingenious students matters:

1. Promotes Social Mobility: It provides equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, to achieve their full potential and succeed in life.
2. Fosters Innovation: Fair education of ingenious students helps to identify and nurture talent, which can lead to the development of new ideas, products, and services that can benefit society as a whole.
3. Enhances Diversity: It leads to a diverse range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas in the workforce, which can result in more creative and effective problem-solving.
4. Strengthens the Economy: Fair education of ingenious students can create a highly skilled workforce that is better equipped to compete in the global economy, leading to greater economic growth and prosperity.
5. Promotes Social Cohesion: It helps to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion by providing a fair and equitable education system that benefits all students. This can lead to a more harmonious and cohesive society.