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Biden taps distinguished African-Americans for posts

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Presidential Advisory Commission

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issued the following statement on the President’s appointment of a group of distinguished Black Americans to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans:

“I applaud President Biden for appointing such a distinguished slate of advocates, educators, and leaders to our Presidential Advisory Commission on Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

“Education is the foundation of all opportunity in America, yet centuries of discrimination and injustices have resulted in unacceptable inequities in educational access and outcomes for Black students, of all ages. We cannot be complacent when race and place remain such powerful factors in the availability of educational opportunity for our children.

“The expertise represented on this commission will be an invaluable resource to our Department and to the President as we work to Raise the Bar in education and ensure that all Black children have access to an academically rigorous education, safe and healthy learning environments, supportive school communities, and multiple pathways to college and career.”

The new appointees include Lezli Baskerville, CEO of the National Association for

Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, and Rebecca Pringle, president of the National Education Association.

“As an educator, I have dedicated my life to ensuring that every student, no matter their race, ZIP code, or background, has access to strong public schools that help them grow into their full brilliance,” Pringle said in a statement. “But for too long unequal systems and unjust policies have prevented too many Black students from accessing the high-quality educational opportunities they deserve.”

The Commission advises the President–through the Secretary of Education–on issues related to educational equity and economic opportunity for the Black community. It focuses on promoting career pathways, increasing awareness of educational disparities, and creating relationships with stakeholders to push for both equity and excellence for African-Americans. As well, the Commission seeks to achieve this primarily by developing and implementing educational programs.

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